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FIRST EDITION CHARLES ANDREW DITMAS
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,. .A LIBRARIES
National Trust for
Historic Preservation
Library
of the
University of Maryland,
College Park
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2011 with funding from
LYRASIS IVIembers and Sloan Foundation
http://www.archive.org/details/historichomesteaOOditm
'.^a^«i..^ll>
Hendrick I. Lott Homestead, erected 1800
Historic Homesteads
of Kings County
FIRST EDITION LIMITED TO FIVE HUNDRED SIGNED
AND NUMBERED COPIES, AND ILLUSTRATED
BY TWENTY HAND-COLORED GELATINE
PHOTO-GRAVURES AND ONE
COVER PIECE
This Book is No.J-A...J....
Member qfthe Long Island Historical Society and many Patriotic Associations
PUBLISHED BY THE COMPILER
AT 350 FULTON STREET
BROOKLYNf, NEW YORK
1909
NTl
F
Copyright, 1909
Bv Charles A. Dilnias
To
MY PARENTS
I Affectionately Dedicate This Book
WheWiitthrop
Press
IJetuiJork
Preface
In these days of commercialism, we are forgetting the
historic and the beautiful; the past is seldom considered until
the march of progress destroys some landmark which history
has made famous. Then, after the usual newspaper articles
have appeared, the place is lost sight of in the possibilities of
the future.
I have endeavored in this volume to tell the story of some of
the "Old Homesteads of Kings County." As there can be
nothing truthful that is original in a work of this kind, I claim
no credit as an author. It is simply a compilation of facts
secured from many authorities and written in a series of
connective stories. I have endeavored to be accurate, and I
believe I have succeeded in producing a book, that, on the whole,
is authentic.
It represents six months' careful study on the part of one
who was brought up among the very people of whom he has
written, and in many instances members of the families written
about have corrected the proofs. I am indebted to many
persons for aid and advice, and to those who have assisted me
in various ways I extend an appreciation of their assistance.
The object in compiling this book is to preserve the history,
tradition and genealogy of the old homesteads of Kings County.
The work is just beginning, and if I am encouraged by the sale
of this book, other sections in similar garb and form will be
brought out from time to time. If your home does not appear
in this book, it may in the next, or in some other volume.
Information concerning the other old homesteads is solicited
and will be filed for future use.
Charles Andrew Ditmas
Brooklyn, N. Y., July 1st, 1909
[7]
Contents
Preface .......
Introduction ......
The Captain Cornelius Vanderveer Homestead
The Captain John Schenck Homestead
The John Ditmars Homestead
The Bergen's Island Homestead
The Hendrick I. Lott Homestead
The Johannes Emmans Homestead .
The Johannes Van Nuyse Homestead .
The Rem Hegeman Homestead
The Bloom-LefFerts Homestead
The Henry S. Ditmas Homestead
The Suydam-Ditmas Homestead .
The Adrian Martense Homestead
The John Lefferts Homestead
The Martense-Story Homestead
The Van Brunt-Robarts Homestead
The Simon Cortelyou Homestead
The Van Pelt Manor House .
The Gerretsen's Mill at Gravesend, L. I.
The John S. Voorhees Homestead
The Judge Nicholas Stillwell Homestead .
The New Utrecht Liberty Pole
Kings County in the Revolution
Bibliography .....
Alphabetical Index .....
PAGE
7
. 11
15
. 19
23
. 31
37
. 43
47
. 51
55
. 59
63
. 67
73
. 77
81
. 85
91
. 95
99
. 103
107
. 109
113
. 114
[9]
Illustrations
Hendrick I. Lott Homestead, erected 1800
The Captain Cornelius Vanderveer Homestead
The Captain John Schenck Homestead
The John Ditmars Homestead .
The Bergen's Island Homestead
The Hendrick I. Lott Homestead
The Johannes Emmans Homestead
The Johannes Van Nuyse Homestead
The Rem Hegeman Homestead
The Bloom-LefFerts Homestead
The Henry S. Ditmas Homestead
The Suydam- Ditmas Homestead
The Adrian Martense Homestead .
The John Leflferts Homestead .
The Martense-Story Homestead
The Van Brunt-Robarts Homestead
The Simon Cortelyou Homestead
The Van Pelt Manor House
The Gerretsen's Mill at Gravesend
The John S. Voorhees Homestead
The Judge Nicholas Stillwell Homestead
PAGE
Frontispiece
Facing 15
19
23
31
37
43
47
51
55
59
63
67
73
77
81
85
91
95
99
103
10]
Introduction
The Dutch Farm Houses in Kings County
The Dutch Farm Houses with which we are famihar are
different from the houses of any other time or country. They
are even unlike the houses of Holland. This was due to necessity.
The Dutch farmers developed a type of house most suited to their
new home.
The earliest houses erected on Long Island were of the Arts
and Craft variety, hand-made throughout, but after numerous
fires had occurred the people built largely of sun-dried brick.
They were made in the local kiln, for each town had its own kiln.
Almost all houses after 1700 were built of wood, and then
the design of the comfortable Dutch farm house was developed.
It was a broadening out of the original Holland house so as to
extend over a larger area. In Netherlands they built miniature
sky-scrapers, but in America land was plentiful and there was
room to spread out.
The house we are describing is the typical one. Facing the
south, as all Dutch houses faced the south, they often stood
endwise to the road. In those early days the house had little or
no cellar, but after 1750 large spacious cellars were the custom.
In the older houses, as those which were built before 1800, all
the rooms were, generally, on the ground floor. The large attic
was used for storage. A large amount of the labor of the house-
wife was performed here in summer, such as quilting, spinning
and weaving.
The exterior design consisted of a main house, through the
center of which, in later years, extended the broad hall, with a
great door at both ends. Bull's-eye windows were cut in these
doors, to admit more light than was transmitted into the hall by
the transoms. Frequently, these doors were beautifully carved.
On each side of this hall were two rooms ; to the right a parlor
and a bedroom. Often this bedroom was divided into two rooms.
To the left was a sitting room and one or two back bedrooms.
[11]
Introduction
From the sitting room a door opened into the wing. As the
wing was generally lower than the main house, you would be
obliged to descend a couple of steps to enter the dining room.
This room had usually a small long bedroom back of it. These
two rooms composed the main wing, and over this wing the
slaves slept. Extending from it, was a leaning roofed wing,
which housed the kitchen. It was likewise lower than the main
wing, and was reached by steps. The main feature of the
kitchen was its great size and its Dutch oven. In recent years
a second story has been built in the attic, thus increasing the
size, comfort and convenience of the old Dutch houses.
[12]
The Captain Cornelius Vanderveer Homestead, erected 1787
The Captain Cornelius Vanderveer Homestead
There are few houses as near perfect structures of their type as this
grand old homestead. Few descendants have had the wisdom to leave the
buildings alone which their ancestors had constructed, but have made them
ludicrous by changing their contour and adding monstrosities of jig-saw
work, instead of adding modern improvements and leaving the simple lines
that are so dear to the architect of a well-balanced mind, which the original
designer intended it to have.
This house was erected by Captain Cornelius Vanderveer, "Flatbush's
Hero of the Revolution." It was built near the site of the old homestead,
presumably built by Cornelius Janse Vanderveer, the common ancestor of
the family. He came to New Amsterdam from Alkmaar in North Holland,
in 1659, and received a patent on March 12th, 1661, from Governor Stuy-
vesant, for 26 morgans of land in Flatbush. He purchased a farm from
Jan Janse Fyn for 2600 guilders, and added it to this farm. He married
Tryntjie Gillis de Mandeville, and held several leading positions in
civil life.
The above mentioned had a son, Cornelius Vanderveer, Jr., who inher-
ited his father's farm, and married Jannetje Van Nostrand. He held the
office of Sheriff of Kings County in 1731. We find his will probated April
8th, 1782, on file in the New York Surrogate's office. He was the father of
Captain Cornelius Vanderveer, who was born on December 5th, 1731; died
February 13th, 1804. He married in November, 1761, Leah Van Kirk, who
was born January 27th, 1741, and died May 23rd, 1813,
Doctor Strong, in his "History of Flatbush," tells how Captain Vander-
veer was taken prisoner, basely treated and insulted, and how he came near
being hanged, but for a friend. Captain Miller, a British officer. This
occurred after he had sent his family over to New Jersey. He remained
behind to try to save his property, but he met with poor success. He was
under parole of the British, and after Flatbush was far removed from the
scene of hostilities he presumably sent for his family. We find him at various
times helping the American cause. A suit of clothes was made at his house
to enable Captain Lyman to escape beyond the British lines and join the
American Army. He also loaned money to Governor Clinton to enable New
York to carry on the war. The flag was made in his house which waved from
[15]
The Captain Cornelius Vanderveer Homestead
the Liberty Pole erected at Flatbush to celebrate the departure of the British
troops from Long Island.
Captain Vanderveer had the following issue:
(1) John C. Vanderveer, born March 22nd, 1762; died April 7th,
1845. He married in 1787, Elizabeth, daughter of Captain Adrian Van
Brunt of New Utrecht. He served in the Revolution, and was one of Flat-
bush's noteworthy men. From September, 1813, until August, 1837, he was
County Treasurer. In 1802, and again from 1811 to 1813, he was Assem-
blyman, and from April, 1804, to April, 1832, he was Supervisor of Flatbush.
He had the following children :
(A). Ann Vanderveer, married Jeremiah Vanderbilt.
(B). Jane Vanderveer, married Judge Gerret L. Martense.
(C). Maria Vanderveer, died single.
(D). Cornelilis Vanderveer, married Maria Eldert.
(E). Doctor Adrian Vanderveer, married Eliza Lott.
(F). John Vanderveer, born June 22nd, 1802; married on May 7th,
1828, to Gertrude Van Alst. He owned and resided in the homestead and is
now deceased. Of his children, Peterf, a bachelor, and Mrs. (Elizabeth Van
Brunt Vanderveer) Lewis T. Titus, live in the homestead. Mrs. Titus'
daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Van Dyke Cruser with their two
daughters, live there also, thus making the sixth generation which have
resided in this house, and the eighth to live on this farm. Of the other chil-
dren of John Vanderveer, Adrian is a farmer of Queens County, Long Island,
and Doctor John R. Vanderveer, a well-known practitioner of his day;
Jacob P., a farmer of Flatbush; George and Aletta P. are deceased.
(G). Rutgert Vanderveer, died single and at sea.
(H). Gerret Vanderveer, died in childhood.
(J). Peter Vanderveer, died single.
(2). Gerret Vanderveer (son of the Captain), born August 12th, 1765,
died December 12th, 1847. He married Catherine Lott, born May 29th,
1767, died September 28th, 1831. She was a daughter of Colonel Jeromus
Lott and Lammetie Rapalje, his wife. His father erected a house for him on
the southern part of the farm, which he occupied until his death. He had a
t Since deceased.
[16]
The Captain Cornelius Vanderveer Homestead
daughter who married Simon Cortelyou. They occupied her father's part
of her grandfather's farm, and upon their death it was sold for distribution
among their heirs.
(3). Anne Vanderveer (daughter of the Captain), born in 1768, died
June 16th, 1846. She married Tunis J. Bergen, of Gowanus, and had issue
two sons, John T. and CorneHus Bergen.
(4). Jane Vanderveer (daughter of the Captain), born November 15th,
1775, died September 26th, 1831 ; married Simon Bergen, of Gowanus, and
had issue:
(A). Gashe Bergen, married Johannes H. Lott, of Flatlands.
(B). Leah Bergen, married Jacob Morris, of the United States Navy.
(C). Ann Bergen, who married Peter Bergen.
(D). Catharine Bergen, who married Teunis S. Barkeloo.
(E). Jane Bergen, who married first Calvin F. Spear; and on his death,
James Millward.
[171
The Captain John Schenck House at Crooke's Island, erected about 1656
The Captain John Schenck Homestead
In this sketch the compiler has traced back to the year 1346, when we
find Hendrick Schenck van Nydeck, Knight, Lord of AflFerden and Walbeek
and Feoffer of Wachtendonck, a man of importance in the low countries,
who married Aelide Rayde, heiress of Walbeek. They had a son and heir
Hendrick, Knight, Lord of Afferden, Walbeek and Blynbeek, Feoffer of
Wachtendonck, Bailiff of Gelderend; who died December 8th, 1452, and
married Aleide van Goen van Keldenbrock. They were the parents of
Diederick, Lord of Afferden and Blynbeek and half of Walbeek and Wach-
tendonck, Marshall of Cleve; who married Adelkeit van Buren and died
August, 1487. Their son and heir Derick, Lord of Afferden, Blynbeek and
Walbeek, married Aleid Coster of Aerzen. He died at Blynbeek, August 3rd,
1525, leaving heir his son, Derick, Lord of Afferden and Blynbeek, who
married Maria Van Galen and had a son and heir Derick, Lord of Afferden
and Blynbeek, who married Anna van Berlaer. They were the parents of
the progenitor of the race of Schenck, who valued a noble name above a title.
General Peter Schenck van Nydeck was a son of the last named Derick,
Lord of Afferden, etc. He was born at Gosh in 1547, married at Doesbiu'gh,
May 17th, 1580, to Johanna van Schenpenzeel. To them was born a son at
Doesburgh on August 7th, 1584, whom they named Martin Schenck Van
Nydeck. He was the father of Jan Martinse Schenck, probably born at
Amersfoort Holland, and married at Amersfort (Flatlands), Long Island,
in 1672 or 1673 to Jannetjie Stephens Van Vooi'heis. He emigrated with
other members of his family to America in June, 1650, and was the father of
Martin Janse Schenck, of Flatlands, born in 1675, married on December
2nd, 1703, to Cornelia Van Wesselen or Van Wesell, widow of Domine
Lupardius. Inherited by his father's mil the " Old land with the small island
and mill."
He had issue John (known as Captain John), born December 13th, 1705,
married November 15th, 1728, Femmetie Hegeman. His heirs and legatees
sold the mill property, containing about 66 acres of upland, 6 acres of wood-
land and a parcel of salt-meadov/s, on April 15th, 1784, to Joris Martense, of
Flatbush, for £2300.
"The old dwelling house of wood standing on Mill Island, according to
tradition, was erected by the Schencks after their purchase, and is now" (1909)
[19]
The Captain John Schenck Homestead
over 250 years old. If this is true, it is the oldest habitable house in Kings
County, if not in New York State.
Joris Martense, who purchased this property, was a leading citizen and
large land holder. He is said by Dr. Strong to have advanced $5,500 to the
American cause, while the British supposed he w^as favoring them. It was
at his house that Major Moncrief was quartered when Captain William
Marriner, in his secret midnight expedition against Flatbush described in the
sketch on the Van Pelt Manor House, took him prisoner. The premises
described in the deed of the heirs of John Schenck to Joris Martense, were
devised by him to his daughter, Susan Martense, who afterwards married
Patrick Caton. She is frequently mentioned in Strong's History of Flatbush,
and Caton Avenue is named in her honor.
Mrs. Caton devised the property to Robert L. Crooke, as trustee for her
daughter, Margaret, wife of General Philip S. Crooke. Mrs. Crooke devised
the property to her husband, General Philip S. Crooke, as trustee for her
children, and on his death to go in fee simple to the said children. General
Crooke had the power to sell and convey in fee or lesser estate.
On July 5th, 1870, Philip S. Crooke, as trustee under the will of Mar-
garet Crooke, conveys to Robert L. Crooke this farm, which he bounds as
follows: "All that Grist mill and mill dam or mill pond and meadows there-
unto belonging, situated lying and being within the bounded limits of the
Township of Flatlands aforesaid, as also all that island commonly called
the Mill Island, all the meadows, marshes, creeks, and ditches thereunto
belonging. Containing by estimation five hundred acres of meadows or
marshes, and five acres in Mill Island and all that tract of upland lying in the
Township of Flatlands aforesaid; Bounded westerly by land formerly of
Martin Schenck; northerly by meadows formerly of Jacobus De venter and
meadows formerly of the Estate of said John Schenck; southerly by the Mill
Creek and meadows formerly of Johannes Ditmars; westerly and southerly
by the land formerly belonging to William Stoothoff , containing by estima-
tion sixty-six acres."
On July 5th, 1873, Robert L. Crooke conveyed these premises to Philip
S. Crooke. On October 18th, 1876, Philip S. Crooke conveys these premises
to Frank Crooke. After a series of eleven affecting conveyances between
[20]
The Captain John Schenck Homestead
various members of the Crooke family and others, the title became vested
in Robert L. Crooke, in so much as we are speaking of Mill Island, and he
and Elizabeth, his wife, sold it on January 12th, 1906, to Florence C. Smith.
On the next day she deeded it to "Flatbush East," a real estate company,
who, on December 31st, 1906, transferred it to the Flatbush Improvement
Company, who developed the property by dredging out the creeks with
hydraulic dredges and filling up the meadows with the sand thus excavated.
They practically created 332 acres of upland, raising the meadows some eight
feet above high tide. The work was done by the Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific
Company under the direction of Captain Alexander Ross Piper, late of the
United States Army and a former Deputy Police Commissioner of New
York City. The financial panic of 1907 caused the company some difficulty,
and on January 14th, 1909, they deeded the property to the Atlantic, Gulf
and Pacific Company, who are now the owners.
It is an interesting fact, when we consider the coming construction of the
great port of entry at Jamaica Bay, that the Schencks, who came from
Holland, were interested in ships which carried freight between New Nether-
lands and Old Netherlands, that they had a dock here at Mill Island and
their boats came regularly across the ocean, using Jamaica Bay as a terminal.
Thus commerce existed here two hundred and fifty years ago, and Flatlands
lost that commerce through lack of attention to its demands.
[21]
The John Ditmars Homestead, erected previous to the Revohition
The John Ditmars Homestead
From Jamaica Bay, extending through the meadows which border it,
and along a swale of meadowland, is a stream that was formerly called
Bestevaar Kill. This name has now given place to Paerdegat, which in the
olden times applied only to the upper end of the stream. Above this stream
lay the old Van T wilier and Corlear Flats. Corlear's Flat was purchased
by Jacob Van Corlear in 1635, from the Indians, and in 1636 a deed was
given by the Indian proprietors to Wouter Van Twiller, the director for Van
Twiller's Flat. The land is rolling to the south of the Bestevaar Kill.
If you will drive or motor over the old Kings Highway from Flatbush
Avenue to Eastern Parkway, you will pass through this country and see some
of the old farm houses standing where they were originally erected. Mute
reminders of a glorious past; of a charming rural home life and a contentment
seldom realized in the more modern city. The name of this road has changed.
It was originally a part of a system of roads which extended from Fort
Hamilton to Jamaica, intersected at Flatlands by a road which ran north to
the present foot of Joralemon Street. Part of this road is preserved in
Amersfort Place, on which the compiler lives, and part in Flatbush Avenue.
It was along this road that Cornwallis marched his men when he outflanked
Washington in the Battle of Long Island.
The homestead we are about to chronicle is situated on the part of this
road which is now called Kouwenhoven Place. It is on high ground which
slopes to the Paerdegat. Part of the farm appertaining to it is in Flatbush,
but the homestead and part of the land is in Flatlands. From early records
it seems that this land was purchased from various owners by Jan Stevense,
whose surname was Van Voorhees. He was a son of Steven Coerts, the
common ancestor of the Voorhees family in this country, and his son, Roelof
Voorhees, having no sons of his own, left the farm to his grandson, Johannes
Ditmars. We know that the first Ditmars who resided permanently in Flat-
lands was Jan Ditmars, eldest son of Johannes Ditmarsen, of Flatbush;
grandson of Jan Van Ditmarsen, and great-grandson of Jan Jansen, the com-
mon ancestor. Jan Ditmars married Femmetje, daughter of Roelof Voor-
hees. Jan was baptized August 31st, 1718.
The majority of historians make a supposition concerning his marriage
to Femmetje Voorhees, but the compiler has seen proof in a copy made by
[23]
The John Ditmars Homestead
Mr. Onderdonk and on file in MS. in the Long Island Historical Society's
Library, of the persons married by Domine Van Sinderen. I understand
that it has been copied and published in a year book of the Holland Society.
It is recorded there that Jan Ditmars and Femmetje Voorhees were married
April 30th, 1748. They had four children, of whom only the eldest reached
manhood. He was born March 28th, 1749, and was named Johannes. His
father died on November 23rd, 1756, and Femmetje, his mother, on July
27th, 1793.
Johannes Ditmars was married to Margrietie Rapalje on December
12th, 1781. She was born October 1st, 1759, and was a direct descendant
of Joris Jansen de Rapalje, the common ancestor, and likewise a cousin of
George Rapalje, the well-known traveller and writer, who married a daughter
of Bishop Provost, the rebel Bishop of New York. She passed away January
10th, 1785, and left issue a son, John Ditmars, born June 1st, 1783, and a
daughter, Margaret, who married Johannes Emmans, and she is the ances-
tress of the Napier family of Woodhaven. (See sketch of the Johannes
Emmans Homestead.) Johannes Ditmars inherited from his grandfather,
Roelof Voorhees, all his real estate. After the death of his first wife he mar-
ried Lammetie Lott, who survived him without issue. She was a daughter
of Johannes Lott, of Flatlands Neck.
John Ditmars, born as stated, married September 22nd, 1802, Margaret
Van Sicklen, a daughter of Abraham Van Sicklen and Cornelia Cornell, his
wife, of New Lots. She was born July 13th, 1785, and passed away April
10th, 1874. She spent the last twenty-five years in total blindness. No one
has ever said other than loving words of her. Those who knew her, guard
her memory as precious recollections of the past, and we of the present gen-
eration may learn a lesson from the devotion of those who knew her; if we
could only live the life of simple piety and sweet resignation that she lived,
we might be able to leave to our friends a memory which they would esteem
as a special heritage, as they do the recollections of this christian lady. John
Ditmars died August 20th, 1827, leaving issue:
(1). Margaret Ditmars, born August 13th, 1803; married April 12th,
1827, to George Van Nuyse, of Flatlands, born September 10th, 1802; died
September 11th, 1831. They had one child, Cornelia Ditmars Van Nuyse,
[24]
The John Ditmars Homestead
born in this house, January 29th, 1829. She married April 15th, 1849, John
Holmes Van Brunt, of Bay Ridge, and died on May 15th, 1862, leaving issue:
Albert H. Van Brunt and Margaret Ditmars Van Brimt, who married Andrew
Ditmas of the Flatbush branch of the family. They are the parents of your
compiler.
(2). John Ditmars, born April 18th, 1806; died August 28th, 1844.
He received by petition the homestead part of his father's farm. On May
17th, 1838, he married Elizabeth Vanderveer, a daughter of Cornelius Van-
derveer and a great grand-daughter of Captain Cornelius Vanderveer,
spoken of elsewhere in this book. She was born November 30th, 1818; died
April 8th, 1898. They were the parents of the following:
(A). John, who died in childhood.
(B). Cornelius Ditmars, born May 31st, 1840; married January 3rd,
1866, to Margaret Van Houten, widow of Lorenzo M. Starr. Mr. Ditmars
was the last of the Ditmars to own and reside on this farm, which he sold
in 1902. He now resides in Flatbush. All of Mr. and Mrs. Ditmars' chil-
dren were born here, namely: Elizabeth, now the wife of Mr. Willard Parker
Schenck, a son of Dr. Tunis Schenck, deceased ; Anna Lavina, who died in
babyhood; John Townsend, who died in his eighteenth year; and Maria
Marguerite Ditmars.
(C). Abraham Ditmars, married Isabella Kilgore, and had issue a
son, Townsend Van Pelt Ditmars.
(D). Maria Elizabeth Ditmars, now the wife of Townsend Cortelyou
Van Pelt, of New Utrecht. (See sketch of the Van Pelt Manor House.)
(3). Cornelia Ditmars, born September 22nd, 1808; died July 3rd,
1884; married Peter De Baun, a well-known cabinet and piano manufac-
turer of New York. Mrs. De Baun and Mrs. Van Nuyse received on par-
tition of their father's estate in 1839, the westerly farm, each receiving half.
This property contained about 70 acres. Mrs. Van Nuyse's husband owned
the farm, late of his grand-children, Albert H. Van Brunt and Mrs. Ditmas,
which adjoined this farm on the south, and his wife took the southerly part of
this farm, Mrs. De Baun taking the northerly section lying next to the land
of Judge John A. Lott. There she erected on the old road, now Amersfort
Place and Avenue F, a beautiful house, and laid out extensive grounds
[25]
The John Ditmars Homestead
making it the show place of the country. After her death her farm was
divided into sections, and the home with three acres of ground was bought
by Mrs. Remsen, a niece. Tliis place was recently built up with houses.
The builder took the old house, cut the basement out, took the two wings off,
and out of what was left made a two-family house, laying out literally a full
sized apartment in the double parlors. This farm (the west farm of John
Ditmars) was, I believe, a part of the Little Flat purchased from the Indians
by Andries Hedden and Wolphert Garritsen (Van Couwenhoven). It came
into possession of the Ditmars in 1707.
(4). Abraham Ditmars, born July 14th, 1814; died April 19th, 1849,
without issue.
(5). James Ditmars, born January 3rd, 1822; died January 8th, 1858,
married Gitty or Gertrude Remsen, owned the southerly part of his father's
main farm. Had issue: Margaret, who died young; Mary Gertrude, mar-
ried George Voorhees, resides in Morristown, New Jersey, and has issue
several children. Cornilia Ditmars married Steven V. Remsen; both are
deceased, leaving issue one son, James Ditmars Remsen, of New York.
John Ditmars, who married Elizabeth Lennington, is a resident of Brooklyn,
and has had several children, three daughters of whom survive. Jacob
Ditmars, who married Jessie Vance, of Morristown, New Jersey, and has
issue a daughter, Margarita Ditmars, now Mrs. Donald, of Portland,
Oregon, and a son, J. Remsen Ditmars, of New York.
Many interesting reminiscences are told of this homestead. I will
repeat the most important tradition as it has been handed down, and also
give you the facts as they are recorded. Cold though they may seem, yet they
show the truth of the tradition.
Johannes Ditmars, born March 28th, 1749, was left a large fortune by his
father. It is a conceded fact tliat the Ditmars family were among the richest
inhabitants of Kings County before the Revolution. On the death of his
father, a neighbor and friend was appointed his guardian and discharged the
office to the satisfaction of young Ditmars, but the Revolution saw them on
opposite sides. Ditmars espoused the Whig cause and his friend was on the
Royal side. Ditmars was one of the largest land holders in Flatlands, and
liad large interests to protect and an aged mother to look after; for these
[26]
The John Ditmars Homestead
reasons he did not take up arms. Tradition* also tells that he was in delicate
health all his life, and as he lived only forty-six years, there is some founda-
tion for the belief. He is said to have advanced large sums of money to aid
the American cause, of which I have been unable to find record, on account
of it not having been repaid. It is a fact that the only records of money
loaned the state or nation during the Revolution are the records of receipts,
given by those who received their money back with interest. At all events,
he was conspicuous for favoring the American cause.
Just before the landing of the British, Washington ordered the farmers
of Kings and Queens counties to stack their grain and fodder in the fields,
so if the enemy approached it could be burned without endangering the build-
ings, and to drive their stock into the interior. Ditmars' former guardian
refused to comply, so when the enemy advanced the American soldiers, who
were detailed to burn the fodder, were setting fire to the hay as it stood in the
barn, when Ditmars, whose stacks wei-e already ablaze in the fields, rushed
in, put out the kindling that was started, and springing on top of a pile of
hay shouted, "If you burn this barn you burn me." He was respected by
the Americans to that extent that they left the barn undisturbed.
Another tradition is that Johannes Ditmars had several bags of gold
coin locked in a cupboard in his bedroom. Some of the British soldiers who
were quartered in the neighborhood learned the fact, and made arrange-
ments to relieve Mr. Ditmars of his money. Stealing in one night, they seized
him and his mother while asleep in bed, boimd and placed them under a
feather bed, and endeavored to extort Ditmars into opening the cupboard,
which he refused to do, whereupon they started to hack it to pieces •with
swords. They were not long engaged in the operation, when the slaves, who
slept over the kitchen, realized that it was up to them to rescue their master.
The story continues on, that they armed themselves with old blunderbusses
and discarded weapons, such as slaves were allowed to carry, and descending
by the back stairs assaulted the place from the outside, making as much
noise as possible. In the fight they took three of the rufiians prisoners. Two
escaped from them, the third they lodged safely in the Flatbush Jail, but he
was permitted by the authorities to make his escape. These slaves were just
'He was probably with the militia in the Battle of Long Island.
[27]
The John Ditmars Homestead
in time to save their master and mistress from smothering to death. Old
Cominey and Cuff were regarded with affection, and lived all their lives in
the Ditmars family.
In Onderdonk's Revolutionary Incidents of Kings County, we find
mention of this event as follows:
"959 £20 Reward — Last neight Nov 5 about 8 oclock, 4 men, with
weapons forced into the house of Johannes Ditmars, Flatlands, and beat
him and his mother in a cruel manner. Through his resentment, three
of them went off, the fourth was put in Flatbush Jail, but escaped the
same night wounded in the head, and said his name was Jos. Mosier.
Gaine Nov.8'83."
It will be noticed that this occurred about a month previous to the evac-
uation of the United States by the British who occupied Long Island, and
were responsible for any molestation of the inhabitants.
Relics of this house are numerous. Nearly all of the descendants of
Johannes Ditmars have one or more of the coins that were in the bags which
the robbers were after, as on the death of each descendant the coins he had
inherited were divided among his descendants. My mother has several of
these, in crown denomination of the reign of George III. Miss Napier has
the cupboard, showing the sword marks where the rufiians tried to break it
in. Mrs. Van Pelt has Femmetje Voorhees's Bible. My mother, Mrs.
Ditmas, has in her parlor a tea table, which belonged to Femmetje Voorhees,
and is said to be over two hundred years old, haAnng been brought from
Holland by one of her ancestors. The original brass handle on the drawer
is still in use, and is as good as the day it was put there.
The old grandfather's clock, which has been with the Ditmars family
for more than a century in all their joys and sorrows, is in the possession of
JVlr. Cornelius Ditmars. He has also the conch shell, which was used as a
horn, for calling the slaves to dinner, and the old cnorph used by the Ditmars
family for over a century. He has also the old copper-kettle and brazier,
and the small brazier used to pass coals around with which to light the pipes.
Speaking of pipes, Mrs. Ditmars has a pair of Church Warden pipe boxes.
They are mahogany inlaid boxes, in which the pipes were placed. In the
bottom of these boxes were drawers to contain flint and steel. They are not
[28]
The John Ditmars Homestead
Ditmars heirlooms, but they are the only pair I know of today, and for that
reason I note them. Mr. John Ditmars, of Brooklyn, has a miniature of
John Ditmars, which he gave his bride, and it is therefore over one hundred
years old.
[29]
The Bergen's Island House, erected before the Revolution
The Bergen's Island Homestead
The first real estate promoter of note in Flatlands, if not on Long Island,
was the common ancestor of the Stoothoffs, a gentleman who bore the name
of Elbert Elbertse, and who had emigrated in the year 1637 from Nieu-
kerken, in the p^o^^nce of North Brabent, Netherland. He was born in
1620, and died about 1688. According to recorded deeds he was, at the time
of his death, in possession of over 600 acres of upland in the town of Flatlands.
We quote Tunis G. Bergen's Bergen Family in relation to his purchase
of Bergen's Island. "On the 25th of November, 1665, for 125 guilders
wampum, he purchased of 'Mactel Spieser' (probably the heir of Thomas
Spicer), as endorsed on the back of the Indian deed hereinafter referred to,
'Meutelaer' (as per patent) Island, now known as Bergen's Island, in Flat-
lands. This island was patented May 1-lth, 1646, by Gov. Kieft, to Capt.
John Underbill, a mercenary soldier from New England, employed by Gov.
Kieft to fight the Indians, who finally settled in Queen's County, where he
has numerous descendants. Underbill sold his patent to Thomas Spicer
(of Gravesend), who, July 20th, 1652, extinguished the Indian title, the deed
of which is in the English language, and sets forth that the island is called
by the Dutch 'Meller's Island' and by the Indians 'Wimbaccoe,' and that
it is given 'for and in consideration of full and plenarie satisfaction allready
paied and deliuered unto us,' and is signed by ' Specke Jon alias Aremacus,
Oranke, Quahsse, and Ohachama' in the presence of 'Ambrose Londdon,*
interpreter and John Lake (both of Gravesend), as witnesses."
Elbert Elbertse's first wife by whom all his children were born, was
Altie Cornells, daughter of Cornells Lambertsen Cool, of Gowanus, and
widow of Garret Wolfertse van Couwenhoven, whom he married August
27th, 1645. After her death he again married on July 21st, 1683, Sara
Roeloffse, widow of Cornells Van Bossum and a daughter of the world-
renowned Anneke Janse, by her first husband, Roeloff Van Masterlandt.
She followed her mother's footsteps and led no less than three husbands to
the altar and outlived all of them. Elbert Elbertse and his first wife had four
children, whom I will enumerate, so that which is at best a complicated line
may be better understood.
Elbert, Jr., baptized January 26th, 1648, died young.
Gerret Elbertse, only sur\aving son and successor.
[31]
The Bergen's Island Homestead
Heiltie Elbertse, who married Thomas Willets, Sen., of Flushing.
Aegie Elbertse, who married John Teunisse Van Dyckhuysen. He
seems to have had a business instinct and to have succeeded to a part of his
father-in-law's power. For many years I believe he was the principal citizen
in Flatlands.
Gerret Elbertse (now called Stoothoff) was married twice; First to
Willemtie Pieters (sup.) Monfoort, and second August 10th, 1684, to Johanna
Nevius. He had a son, Elbert Stoothoff, who married Johanna Lupardus,
daughter of the Rev. Gulielmus Lupardus on March 28th, 1714. They were
the parents of Gerret born August 13th, 1715 O. S. He married Lammetie
Stryker, in 1739. He was accidentally drowned in Flatlands Bay. One of his
daughters, Annatie, was born February 21st, 1743; married April, 1760,
Tunis Bergen, of Gowanus, died July 23rd, 1819.
We again quote the Bergen Family, by Tunis G. Bergen. "About 1764,
a suit was commenced by Tunis Bergen and Annatie, his wife, John Stevens,
and Saartie, his wife, and William Nallison and Eitie, his wife, against John
Stiles (a fictitious name), and Wilhelmus Stoothoff, for the recovery of the
island located in the meadows and on the shores of the bay in Flatlands,
patented by Gov. Kieft to Capt. John Underhill, known as Winpaggie,
Meutelaers, or Omety's Island (now Bergens Island), containing about 90
acres of upland, on the ground that their wives, the daughters and heirs of
Gerret Stoothoff, were entitled to the same by the last will of Elbert Elbertse
Stoothoff, their ancestor, dated Dec. 18th, 1686, in which he bequeathed
said island to his eldest son Gerret, and after his death to his child or children
in succession, and on failure of succession, to Gerret's two sisters, Heyltie
and Aegje, and in case of their death, upon their child or children, and in
case of failure of them, then upon his nearest relations in blood, stating, that
it was his express will and desire, that the same should not go out of his
family or generation, but should remain forever hereditary therein. After
the decease of Elbert Elbertse, Gerret went into possession and by his
(Gerret's) will devised the island (supposing he had a legal right), to Wilhel-
mus, one of his younger sons. However, Elbert, Gerret's eldest son, entered
on the island on his father's death, and put his eldest son, Gerret, in posses-
sion, who died (being accidentally drowned in the bay), during his father's life
[32]
The Bergen's Island Homestead
time, leaving issue three daus., viz; Eitie or Margrietie, Annatie, and
Saartie, plaintiffs together with their husbands in this suit. After the death
of Gerret, Elbert his father put his second son Wilhelmus in possession, and
on Elbert's death, Wilhelmus, the second son delivered up possession to his
uncle Wilhelmus, a defendant in this suit, who died in 1783, during its
progress. On the death of the uncle Wilhelmus, his son Peter went into
possession."
"This suit was finally decided on the 3rd. of Sept, 1791, (about 27 years
after its commencement), in favor of the plaintiffs, thus declaring the entail-
ment by Elbert Elbertse to be lawful, but before its termination, Eitie or
Margretie died without issue, leaving her two sisters her heirs at law."
" On the 5th. of September, Tunis Bergen went to the island and dis-
possessed Peter Stoothoff, who was in possession, leaving his son John
Bergen in charge. On his claim for rent, while unlawfully deprived the
use of the premises, the arbitrators, who were selected by the parties, awarded
him on the 25th. of June, 1792 £ii5, which was paid in instalments, by Wil-
liam and Johannes, sons of Wilhelmus Stoothoff. After the termination of the
suit, on the 10th. of May 1792, Tunis Bergen for ^800, bought of John Stevens
and Saartie, his wife, of Bybury, Penn, their undivided half of the island."
" On his death, Tunis Bergen left his island at Flatlands to his son John,
who then occupied it. The Bergen Book says : ' Johannes or John Bergen,
born Sept. 23rd. 1764; died August 12th. 1824, of typhus fever; married
April 23d. 1793, Rebecca, daughter of Samuel Stryker, born Jan. 8th. 1774,
died Jan. 28th. 1850.'"
When John Bergen took possession of Bergen's Island on September 5th,
1791, in the name of his father, he had with him a negro slave, Tone. For
about a year they kept bachelor's hall together, then he secured the services
of a man and his wife. Their names were Mr. and Mrs. Folkert Sprung,
who had been exiled Tories. They stayed with Mr. Bergen until after his
marriage. From various records it would seem that he was rather hot tem-
pered. He led in several reform movements against the military discipline
of the day, in which time and history justified him. All in all, it seems he
was a man honored and respected by all.
I will quote Bergen again. "The house on the island occupied by the
[33]
The Bergen's Island Homestead
Stoothoffs, which forms part of the present dwelling, from appearances may
have been the first erected there. In 1801, John Bergen added to it for a
kitchen, the wing on its easterly side, and afterwards, in 1819, enlarged the
main building on the westerly side. A westerly wing was built by his son,
Cornelius, after the death of his father."
John Bergen and Rebecca Stryker, his wife, had issue in order of birth :
Tunis; Maria; Cornelius; Maria the first of that name having died ; John;
Johanna; Ann and Garret.
Cornelius Bergen, born February 20th, 1798; married March 10th,
1825, Francis daughter of Abijah Baldwin, of Flatlands. Owned and
resided on Bergen's Island. Was ensign of militia, March 17th, 1821, and
afterwards lieutenant. In 1823 was appointed Justice of the Peace, and in
1825 was elected Coroner. Died March 31st, 1865, leaving issue:
(1). John C. Bergen, born January 19th, 1826; married Mary T.
Brower. He owned Bergen's Island until 1893, when he sold it to speculators,
who opened an amusement park there and cut it up into building lots under
the name of Bergen Beach, by which name it is best known. Mr. Bergen
bought of his uncle. Garret Bergen, a farm on the Mill Lane, Flatlands,
where he lived for many years. He resided in Bay Ridge the latter part of
his life, dying about three years ago. He possessed all the virtues of which
the Long Island Dutchmen speak with pride as belonging particularly to
their race. He was connected with the Dutch Reformed Church of Flatlands
all his life, and no man was more seriously missed than he. A kindly gentle-
man of the noblest type.
(2). Mary C. Bergen, born March 31st, 1828; married October 11th,
1847, Daniel Van Brunt of Bay Ridge, a son of Captain Jaques Van Brunt.
Of all the descendants of the pioneer Dutchmen who settled this state in the
early part of the seventeenth century, I know of no one who possesses the
grace of friendship which we like to attribute to them as does Mrs. Van
Brunt. She resides in Bay Ridge, surrounded by her children and grand-
children, who though grown and in most cases married, live near her. Age
is sweet, when we can say, as we do now of this brother and sister, Mrs. Van
Brunt and Mr. Bergen, that they grow nearer, dearer and more necessary to
their friends as they grow older. I count it a privilege to have known them.
[34]
The Hendrick I. Lott Homestead, erected in 1800
The Hendrick I. Lott Homestead
Extending from Kings Highway south is a level stretch of fertile land
which reaches to the bay. On the west of it is the Strome Kil now called
Garretson's Creek and Mill Pond, and on the east it is divided by Flatbush
Avenue from the eastern part of town. All this land at one time was owned
by two families, namely, the Lotts and Wyckoffs. Embracing fine soil, it
was no wonder that these people were able to acquire large land holdings,
and occupy prominent positions in the town.
About two hundred feet west of Flatbush Avenue on the Kings High-
way, is a road which in early times was called the Road to Lott's Landing,
later degenerating into Lott's Lane, and now called on all authorized maps
Kimbell's Road. Half way down this lane to Lott's Landing, now a thriving
fishing village called Hemlock City, stands a stately mansion, which at one
time in its history was the finest country house in Kings County. Here, in
the early part of the century, the people of the city drove to see the house and
the well laid-out grounds, which were kept in a perfect state of cultivation.
But we are going back to the days of the common ancestors, and tracing
the line of men and women who for nearly two hundred years have lived on
this land. In 1652 Pieter Lot came to this country. We suppose Ruinerwold
in Drenthe, Netherlands, to have been his home across the sea. He settled
in Flatbush and married Gertrude, whose last name is unknown, but who
died in 1704.
Pieter Lot was the father of Hendrick Lott, of Flatlands, who at one
time resided in Jamaica. He married Katrena De Witt, who was born May
10th, 1654, and lived as late as 1701. They had issue: Doroty, born Decem-
ber 14th, 1686; Gertruy, born May 4th, 1688; Pieter, born March 4th, 1691;
Johannes, born May 11th, 1692, died April 8th, 1775; Maria, born October
30th, 1693; and Antie, born August 23rd, 1696; married Folkert Folkersen.
I have not been able to prove to whom Johannes Lott was married.
Most of the church records of the period are lost, and other records are of
little value. Some of his descendants believe he married Antije Folkersen,
a sister probably of Folkert Folkersen. This seems to be true to me. A
brother and sister marrying a brother and sister is nothing unusual.
Johannes Lott purchased the farm, of which this house was the home-
stead, for £2100, of Coert Voorhies, on December 12th, 1719, being the land
[37]
The Hendrick I. Lott Homestead
he (Voorhies) had secured June 10th, 1711, of Roeloff and Albert Ter-
huynnen, and formerly of the heirs of Garret Coerte, and which the said
Garret Coerte had purchased of Coert Stevense on October 9th, 1699, and
which Coert Stevense had bought of Abram Jooris on October 8th, 1687.
All the conveyances relating to this property are on record in Kings County,
and since the taking possession by Johannes Lott on December 12th, 1719,
but two deeds affect the title to the homestead, one a deed from father to son,
and a partition deed of joint heirs.
Johannes Lott lived and died on this farm, adding to it by purchase
until on his death he owned three farms in Flatlands, one of which he left
to each of his three surviving sons. He likewise owned a part of Barren
Island and all the meadows bounded westerly by Garretsen's Creek, northerly
by the upland, and easterly by Mill Island and upland, southerly by Barren
Island.
Johannes Lott was Colonel of the Kings County Militia, and rendered
service to the colonies in the French and Indian War. I have been unable to
prove whether he was this Johannes or his son, but it is a fact that it was
either the one or the other.
He had issue:
Hendrick I. Lott, of New Jamaica, born November 7th, 1715; married
Rebecca, daughter of John Van Kirk;
Joris Lott, of New Utrecht, born October 3rd, 1717; died August 26th,
1762; married April, 1737, Maria, daughter of Rutgert Van Brunt;
Katrina Lott, born October 22nd, 1719; died August 13th, 1769; mar-
ried April 21st, 1744, Derick Remsen:
Johannes Lott, Jr., of whom we will speak later; Maria Lott, born
March 7th, 1722; died January 22nd, 1804; married 1756, Carel Bocrum;
Petrus Lott, of Flatlands, born November 20th, 1723; married June
22nd, 1745, Marretje Dorlandt. Nieltien, born November 13th, 1730; mar-
ried Jacob Snedeker; Nichlaes, who died young; Nichlaes, born September
13th, 1728; died January 24th, 1766;
Folkert Lott, born October 5th, 1732; died April 1st, 1763;
Antie Lott, born March 19th, 1736-7; married 1759, Stephen Lott;
Dortie Lott, born April 10th, 1740; married 1759 to John Van Leuwen;
[38]
The Hendrick I. Lott Homestead
and Jeromus Lott, of Flatlands, born January 26th, 1742-3; died February
19th, 1794.; married 1763, Lammetie Rapalje, born May 29th, 1743; died
October 16th, 1825.
Johannes Lott, Jr., was born December 31st, 1721; died January 25th,
1782; married Jannetje Probasco on April 6th, 1745. She died October 28th,
1802, and had issue:
Anne Lott, born April 14th, 1746; died May 11th, 1746; Anne Lott,
born September 14th, 1747; died February 25th, 1829; married in 1782 to
Henry Staats, of Albany; Jurrian Lott, born March 10th, 1750; died Novem-
ber 27th, 1800, no issue; Johannes I. Lott, of Flatlands, born November
15th, 1752; died March 2nd, 1807; (Sup.) married Itie or Margaret Van
Nuyse; Cathaline Lott, born February 13th, 1755; died April 25th, 1842
married Ulpius Van Sinderin; Christopher Lott, born January 28th, 1758
died February 3rd, 1803; married Elizabeth Brownjohn, of New York
Hendrick I. Lott, of whom we will speak later. Jannetie Lott, born May
2nd, 1764; died October 28th, 1832.
Hendrick I. Lott, who inherited the homestead farm in Flatlands, was
born October 3rd, 1760, and died February 24th, 1840. He was married on
July 15th, 1792, to Mary Brownjohn by the Rev. Gerard Kuypers, his
brother Christopher having previously married her sister Elizabeth. They
were daughters of Doctor Thomas Brownjohn and Elizabeth Campbell, his
wife. He was a son of Doctor William Brownjohn, whose house stood on
Hanover Square, a few feet from Wall Street. The yard appears to have
included the corner of Wall Street and Hanover Square, now Wall and Water
Streets. He owned a large amount of real estate in that vicinity, including
warehouses and residences which he let, and land under water in the East
River where the Wall Street Ferry House now stands. This land was sold
at auction by Gabriel William Ludlow, his executor, between 1790 and 1795,
realizing over $160,000 for this real estate.
During the Revolution the window weights were taken from Doctor
Brownjohn's residence to make bullets for the Continental Army. The
Brownjohn's family vault may be seen in Trinity Churchyard, where all
the original members of the family are buried. Mrs. Lott died September
7th, 1853, in her 83rd year. She had a sister, Catharine Brownjohn, who
[39]
The Hendrick I. Lott Homestead
married John Vernon, the leading silversmith of New York in his day.
Mrs. Vernon died September 10th, 1855, in her 82nd year. They and their
husbands are buried in the Flatbush Churchyard.
Hendrick I. Lott and his wife lived for a time in the old Flatlands
Homestead, which stood at the side of the present house and close to Lott's
Lane. In 1800 they built the present structure and moved in, and then they
moved the diningroom and kitchen wing of the old house up to the side of
the new house and made them fast. Thus the right wing, as you look at
the picture, is a part of the old house, dating back perhaps more than two
centuries. There was formerly a formal Dutch garden in front of the house,
and the place was well fenced.
It is interesting to note that the original shingle roof still protects the
house, and the house is standing as firm as a rock, ready to stand another
hundred years, if her owners so will it. It is to be hoped they will, for where
can you find a home of better, purer, nobler design among the modern houses
which have been erected in Flatlands .'' Architects are realizing the ^^^tues
in the designs of years ago and are returning to them. But far too many
machine-made, slave-designed houses are being erected, that are not homes,
but automatic places of habitation constructed without taste and without
thought, save of profit.
Hendrick I. Lott, of Flatlands, had issue:
Johannes H. Lott, of Flatlands, born August 20th, 1793; died February
26th, 1874; married December 28th, 1817, to Gashe, daughter of Simon
Bergen, of Gowanus; Eliza Lott, born October 25th, 1796; married March
25th, 1818, Doctor Adrian Vanderveer, of Flatbush; and Catharine Lott,
born August 11th, 1814; died May 8th, 1859; married April 2nd, 1834,
Teunis J. Bergen.
Johannes H. Lott, as stated above, married Gashe Bergen, who was
born July 24th, 1797, and died January 21st, 1883. She was loved and
respected by all who knew her, as a lady of refinement and culture, whose
kindly disposition led to the love of her numerous descendants. She
inherited one-half of her father's farm, which she sold to John F. Delaplaine.
They had issue:
Jane Bergen Lott, born August 6th, 1819; died October 17th, 1873;
[40]
The Hendrick I. Lott Homestead
married May 20th, 1847, Charles Burr Ditmas, born February 13th, 1813;
died June 18th, 1852. They were the parents of two children; Andrew
Ditmas, father of the compiler of this book, and Henry L. Ditmas, who died in
infancy;
Henry De Witt Lott, born June 21st, 1821; died January 25th, 1889;
married Annie Bennett, October 28th, 1863. They were the parents of
eleven children, nine of whom survive, namely: Henry De Witt Lott, of
Flushing; John B. Lott, who resides with his family in a part of the home-
stead; Jane M. Lott, now Mrs. Suydam, with her family live in another
part of the homestead; Gacie Bergen Lott, now Mrs. Schoonmaker; Mary
V. Lott, now Mrs. Kouwenhoven; George Lott, who resides with his brother
John in the homestead; Edward D. Lott, of Flushing; Addie Lott, now
Mrs. Ryder; and Phebe Lott, now Mrs. Suydam. Mrs. Lott was a daughter
of John C. Bennett, of New Utrecht, and died September 1st, 1882.
Mary Lott, born December 26th, 1823; died in 1901. She married
John W. Vanderveer, who died on February 24th, 1887, and they were the
parents of John Vanderveer of Babylon;
Catherine Ann Lott, born December 2nd, 1825, married first Chauncey
Drummond, by whom she had one son, Chauncey Drummond; and married
second Samuel L. Clapp, by whom she had four childi'en, namely: Harry
Brownjohn Clapp, Fannie Clapp, Frank Clapp and Lewis S. Clapp. Mrs.
Clapp died February 9th, 1895;
Eliza Lott, born July 17th, 1828; died in 1902; married Byron Whit-
comb who died this year. They are the parents of five children : Lucy G.
Whitcomb, wife of Jurien S. Lott, of Flatlands. Bertha E. Whitcomb,
who died in the fall of 1906; George B. Whitcomb, a bachelor; John Carter
Whitcomb, married and has three children, and is a successful farmer in
Flatlands; Jurien L. Whitcomb, a bachelor;
Simon Bergen Lott, was born October 23rd, 1830, and died August
14th, 1908. He married on March 28th, 1861, Martha Jane Van Cleef,
a daughter of John H. Van Cleef. She was born on January 31st, 1837,
and died April 23rd, 1892. They were the parents of three children, namely:
Jurien S. Lott, John R. Lott and Sara Lott.
Jurien Lott, born March 10th, 1835, and is now deceased.
[41]
The Johannes Emmans Homestead
The Johannes Emmans Homestead
In the town of Flatlands, now the 32nd Ward of the Borough of Brook-
lyn, are many of the old historic homesteads, which it is the object of your
author to picture and describe. A general description of the topography
of the old highways of this section of Kings County is given in another chap-
ter; I am now writing about an old and interesting farm house situated
a little distance from Kouwenhoven Place, just out of the village. It was
for a number of years the abode of a family by the name of Emmans, but,
I believe, it was originally owned by Jeremiah Vanderbilt.
Roelof Voorhees owned a farm adjoining, and left it to his grandson,
Johannes Ditmars. Johannes Ditmars married first Margrietie Rapalje,
on December 12th, 1781, and she bore him two children; a son, John Dit-
mars, and a daughter, Margaret Ditmars. Mrs. Ditmars died January 10th,
1785. Johannes Ditmars married a second time, but died without fur-
ther issue. In his will, recorded April 27th, 1795, in Liber I, page 182,
Kings County Surrogates Office, an abstract of which is in my possession,
he gives to his daughter, Margaret Ditmars, ,£200, with which to purchase
an outfit; also, the farm of the late Roelof Voorhees with the meadows and
woodland thereto belonging, except the one-fourth part, which he had con-
tracted to give William Kouwenhoven.
Margaret Ditmars married Johannes Emmans, of New Utrecht, who
had purchased the farm which we are chronicling. I have not been able to
find a record of this purchase, but it is a well authenticated fact that he
owned it, but from whom he purchased it I can not find out. It appears to
be the farm owned at one time by Jeremiah Vanderbilt. As the Emmans
are one of our most interesting families, I will here trace Johannes Emmans'
family.
His father was Johannes Emmans, of New Utrecht, who married, in
1768, Mary Wyckofi". He died on January 8th, 1780, and his widow remar-
ried March 8th, 1783, Nicholas Van Brunt, of Bay Ridge, who had been
imprisoned for favoring the American cause, and had been Lieutenant of
a company which had reinforced the Continental Army during the Battle of
Long Island. Mr. and Mrs. Van Brunt died of malignant fever in 1802.
[43]
The Johannes Emmans Homestead
This Johannes Emmans was a son of Adries Emmans, of New Utrecht,
who married Femmetje Dorlant, and died about 1760. He purchased of
Samuel Groenendyck a farm of 84 acres on which he resided. He was a son
of Andries Emmans, Jr., of Gravesend and New Utrecht. Born in 1677,
and married November 24th, 1693, to Rebecca Van Cleef, of Gravesend.
He bought, July 20th, 1708, of Stoffel Romeyne, a farm in New Utrecht, on
which he afterwards lived. I suppose he died in 1728. His father, Adries
Emmans, Sr., was the common ancestor of the Long Island and New Jersey
Emmans. Unlike most of the early settlers of these paiis he was an English-
man, but had found refuge from religious persecution in Leyden, in the
Netherlands. He came to this country in the ship Saint Jean Baptist, May
9th, 1661, and made a home for his family in Gravesend.
Margaret Ditmars and Johannes Emmans, her husband, took up their
abode in the charming old homestead on his farm. They lived a quiet, rural
life, full of usefulness and joy, and here were born their children. The fol-
lowing is the record of their issue :
Margaret Emmans, married Nicholas Williamson, and had a son,
Steven Williamson.
John Emmans, married a widow whose name I have been unable to
ascertain, and had issue two daughters; namely, Margaret Emmans, who
married John I. Snedicor, and Sarah Emmans, who married Joseph
Flemming.
Ditmas, Albert and Andrew Emmans were bachelors.
Nicholas Emmans, who married a Miss Baisley, had three children;
namely, Nicholas, John and David.
Maria Emmans, married John B. Napier, and had issue eight children.
Three of these children survive; namely, Miss Catherine B. Napier, Thomas
and Charles. All of these live at Woodhaven, Queen's County, New York
City. The names of Mr. and Mrs. Napier's children, who have passed away
are: John, Andrew, Anna, Margaret who died in babyhood, and Margaret
a twin sister of Catharine.
Phebe Emmans died young.
By a partition sale in the Court of Chancery, Andrew and Albert
Emmans bought their father's farm on May 9th, 1839. On April 5th, 1844,
[44]
The Johannes Einmans Homestead
Andrew released his interest to his brother Albert. On the death of Albert
it became the property of his brothers' and sisters' children. They sold a
large part of it, including the homestead, to Wood, Harmon & Company,
who are the present owners.
[45]
The Johannes Van Nuyse House, erected before 1806
The Johannes Van Nuyse Homestead*
This house is now occupied by Mr. George M. Henderson, who had the
wisdom to restore it as nearly as possible to its original design. He obtained
the property from Frederick Magaw, Esq., whose father, the late Robert
Magaw, purchased it from the heirs of Jeromus Van Nuyse. The farm of
which this is the homestead originally extended to the old Kings Highway,
between Flatlands and Flatbush. It embraced the George Van Nuyse farm
as well, and the original homestead, I believe, stood near the old road,
possibly near the George Van Nuyse house, as Johannes Van Nuyse is
credited with living in and owning an old house on the Flatbush Road,
worth in 1796, $350, and in middling condition. Still that could not have
been a bad sort of a house, for according to the same valuation the finest
house in town was only worth $900. He is credited with owning some 85
acres of land, while his brother occupied a place of some 39 acres. As he
purchased some land of Wilhelmus Van Nuyse, I suppose this covered the
property. This farm was originally a part of the land of Elbert Elbertse
Stoothoff, and at his death became the property of Thomas Willetts, who
sold it to the Terhune family. I have not been able to find at what date
they sold it to the Van Nuyses, but it seems to have been about 1725.
When this house was erected we know only from tradition, which is as
follows: "The house was completed after several years in construction and
the family moved in. Then the barn was started. On the day the barn was
raised, all the neighbors came to help, and the ladies prepared a bountiful
feast, as was customary among the Dutch. The meal was served on tables on
the lawn, and as it was George Van Nuyse's fourth birthday, his aunts, to
surprise his mother, made a pair of pants and an outfit of boy's clothes for
him. They dressed him and seated him at one of the tables unknown to his
mother. She did not recognize him as her own son, nor could she surmise
whose child he was. As she was helping him to cake, she asked, 'Whose
little boy are you, my little man ?'' He did not see the humorous side of the
mistake, but bursting into tears, said: 'Mother, don't youse know me.'*' "
This story has been handed down from mother to child until the present
* Since the writing of this sketch, a large part of this farm has been opened up for building
purposes by Wood, Harmon & Company, and it promises to develop into one of the finest
residential sections of Flatbush.
[47]
The Johannes Van Nuyse Homestead
generation. I believe it is true, for Mrs. Couwenhoven, a younger sister of
George Van Nuyse, told me some years ago, when she was about 84 years of
age, that she remembered hearing her mother tell it as I have written it
here. If it is true, it must have occurred on September 10th, 1806.
The house was completed previous to this, and was constructed on this
spot from timber cut in the adjacent forest. As it took, at that time, at least
three years to finish a house of this size, I am inclined to believe that it was
started shortly after Johannes Van Nuyse's marriage to Nelly Lott, a
daughter of Colonel Jeromus Lott, of Flatlands.
They had a large family, namely:
George Van Nuyse, born September 10th, 1802; died September 11th,
1831; married, April 12th, 1827, Margaret, daughter of John Ditmars, born
August 13th, 1803; died December 19th, 1865. They had one child, Cor-
nelia Ditmars Van Nuyse, born January 29th, 1829; died May 15th, 1862;
married John Holmes Van Brunt. She was the grandmother of your
compiler.
Jeromus Van Nuyse, born January 2nd, 1805; died September 29th,
1852; married Ann Eliza Brinkerhoff, born May 8th, 1813. Left no issue.
Eliza Van Nuyse, born May 11th, 1807; married May 28th, 1828,
Adrian Bergen, of New Utrecht.
Lemma Van Nuyse, born July 24th, 1809; married December 29th,
1835, Cornelius Suydam, of Flatbush. They had issue several children, of
whom John and Ellen Suydam survive.
Maria Van Nuyse, born March 24th, 1810; died September 1st, 1863,
single.
Eleanor Van Nuyse, born January 15th, 1813; died January 25th,
1853; married Tunis Bergen, of New Utrecht.
Magdalen Van Nuyse; born September 23rd, 1816; married December
28th, 1842, Garret Couwenhoven, of New Utrecht. Both are deceased. They
had issue: Maria, who married Isaac C. Barnes; Nettie, who married
Theodore V. Bergen; Ellen, who married Charles M. Bergen, of Babylon,
and Garret Couwenhoven.
We now return to Johannes Van Nuyse and trace his ancestry back,
and in so doing trace the ownership of this farm. This farm lay in what
[48]
The Johannes Van Nuyse Homestead
was called a flat, that is, it was level land, and part of it was laid out as a
race-course. We find many notices of races held here during the Revolution.
It went under the name of Ascot Heath, after England's famous track.
We understand that this course was the most notable in New York State
at that time.
The father of Johannes was Joost Van Nuyse, of Flatlands, baptized
September 16th, 1716; died about 1792; married April 26th, 1744, Elizabeth
Emmans. He was the first Van Nuyse to reside on this farm. His father
was William, of New Utrecht, and his mother was Magdalena Joost, wife
of the above. He, in turn, was the son of Jacobus Aukersz, who at one
period resided in Flatbush,but lived the greater part of his life in New Utrecht.
He married April 26th, 1685, Maria or Marie Willemse. He was a son of the
common ancestor, Aucke Jansen Van Nuyse, and Magdalena Pietersen
his first wife, who emigrated from Amsterdam in 1651 to New Amsterdam.
He followed the trade of master carpenter, and waxed rich in that profession.
In 1654 he erected the first church in Flatbush. He possessed a knowledge
of law, and was magistrate of Flatbush in 1673, and also a Representative
in the Convention of March 26th, 1673, which conferred with Governor
Colve.
He is supposed to have been born in Nuis, in Groningen, Netherlands,
a city of about 500 inhabitants. He married three times, the last two failing
of issue. Like many others who came to the new world, he died a rich land-
holder.
[49]
The Rem Hegeman Homestead
The Rem Hegeman Homestead
There is an old house in Flatlands which has been in a dilapidated
condition for many years, but has attracted the attention of almost all who
passed by for its picturesque beauty and symmetrical proportions. It seems
to be of great age, for it has all the characteristics of the 18th century. I
believe it is one of perhaps a dozen houses in Kings County which are very
old. The general construction is of the Old Style; the half door with bull's-
eye windows, the broad beamed roof extending far out, the closeness to the
ground of the wooden structure, all bespeak age.
The heirs of Jeffries Van Wyck are the present owners of this interesting
house and the surrounding land. They bought it of the executors of the
estate of Rem Hegeman on October 16th, 1869. The property embraces
one of the most valuable corners in the Thirty-second Ward, namely, the
south-east corner of Flatbush Avenue and Kings Highway or the Neck Road,
as this section of it was sometimes called. This crossing has always been
the center of the village life of Flatlands. Across the road was Hendricksen's
store, kept by one family for over sixty-six years, and it was all that time the
leading store of the southern part of the county. It also contained the post
office, and here Court was held and justice honestly administered.
This house, situated so close to the church, post office, and the center
of activities of the time and of the town, must have been the scene of many
interesting events, and if we could picture by pen those local dramas, they
would be more interesting than fiction, and we would be surprised to find
the people of Flatlands more progressive for their day and generation than
are their descendants to-day. I believe their superior deportment was due
to their military training, for nearly every man belonged to the company of
militia in the town of which he was an inhabitant.
This house was the home of Rem Hegeman, a farmer, who was a frequent
purchaser of small plots of land and meadows. He evidently had a specu-
lative tendency and his judgment seems to have been good, for he generally
sold his purchases for more than he had given. He purchased this farm from
Nicholas Van Dyke on May 2nd, 1836. Van Dyke had secured it from
other members of his family on April 23rd, 1829. The last owner of whom
we have record previous to Van Dyke was Herman Hogeland, who acquired
it by two purchases; one on January 19th, 1722, when he purchased of Jan
[51]
The Rem Hegeman Homestead
Lucassen and Johannes Voorhees a tract they had acquired from Coert
Stevense, who had purchased it of Garret Coerte on October 9th, 1699.
Hoogland or Hogeland had previously purchased the land of Albjday
Hoogland and Arent Schuyler on November 27th, 1707.
This property comes within the boundary of the patent of June 6th,
1636, to Andrew Hudden and Wolphert Garretsen, and later came into pos-
session of Elbert Elbertse, whose heirs divided it up into farms and sold
them. It, with all other land in Flatlands, went into the hands of the arbitra-
tors, who proved the title and returned the property to its respective owner on
the 13th day of February, 1695.
Rem Hegeman was a descendant of Adriaen Hegeman, who came to
this country in 1650 or 1651, and held numerous public offices, including
that of Schout Fiscall of the Five Dutch Towns.
Rem Hegeman was born at Flatlands, April 23rd, 1795, and died there
on March 2nd, 1867. He married Helen Wyckoff, and they had the following
children :
Peter Hegeman, of whom I have no trace.
Sarah Ann Hegeman, married John C. Vanderveer, who at one time
was keeper of the Kings County Alms House, and was a son of Cornelius
Vanderveer and Maria Eldert, his wife, and a grandson of John C. Vander-
veer, the Flatbush statesman, and great-grandson of Captain Cornelius
Vanderveer, Flatbush's Hero of the Revolution. They died without issue.
Helen Hegeman, married Jacob Stillenwerf; I think they resided in
New Jersey, but have no further trace.
Catharine Hegeman, married William Tate, and had several children.
John G. Hegeman, born at Flatlands, March 23rd, 1816, and died
there October 29th, 1845. He married Charlotte O. Rogers, who was born
at New London, Conn., on July 8th, 1819, and died at Brooklyn, New York,
on June 15th, 1898. They had three children; namely, William R., Abbey,
and John R.
William Rogers Hegeman was born December 7th, 1841, and died
November 9th, 1897. He married Miss Johnson, of Canarsie, and has
several children. During the latter part of his life he was a successful mer-
chant of Brooklyn.
[52]
The Rem Hegeman Homestead
John Rogers Hegeman was born at Flatlands, on April 18th, 1844. He
has led a notable career in the financial world. In 1866 he became an account-
ant for the Manhattan Life Insurance Company; in June, 1870, was made
Secretary of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, and was elected
Vice-President in October of the same year. In October, 1891, he became
President of the Company of which he had been Vice-President for twenty-
one years, and to him, in a large measure, is due the success of that company.
Their business is largely Industrial Insurance, and requires men of trust
and those in whom unbounded confidence can be placed. Mr. Hegeman is
a great worker, finding time to attend to the details of business which other
men are compelled to turn over to subalterns. He is connected with many
other financial enterprises in an oSlcial capacity.
The Metropolitan Life Insurance Company own and occupy a building
in New York, the tower of which is the tallest office structure in the world.
It is a fitting monument of a great enterprise.
Mr. Hegeman has been a credit to his family, and it is an honor for
any man to bear as time-honored and respectable a name as that of Hegeman.
He was born in a comfortable farm house, and what better start in life
should a man desire ? He married Evelyn Lyons, and has one son, John R.
Hegeman, Jr. Mamaroneck is his present place of abode.
[53]
The Bloom-Lefferts Homestead, erected before the Revolution
The Bloom- LefFerts Homestead
For many years the passerby has looked upon No. 1224 Fulton Street
as a doomed house; doomed soon to be pulled down. Much has been written
in the papers recently about preserving this and other relics of the days
gone by, but to no apparent avail, for now this house, once a charming home,
is no more. The Dutch were builders of pure architectural structures,
designers of perfect taste, engineers of adequate proportion and strength,
and in this house we find a perfect example of their work, although it has
stood alterations by an English army officer.
The compiler has been unable to find any record of when it was built,
but it is safe to say it was erected previous to 1750. The first owner of this
farm I am told that there is any record of, was Claes Barentse Bloom, who
conveyed it to his son. Brant, in 1704; of this I cannot say from personal
knowledge, but I believe it to be true. Brant in 1756 left it to his son, Nich-
olas, whose executives conveyed it in 1785 to Charles TurnbuU.
Charles TurnbuU was an officer of the British Army. History tells
us he rebuilt the house, although I believe he only put dormer windows in
the roof, but history should be believed. TurnbuU did not enjoy his home
long, for he conveyed it in 1791 to Leffert Lefferts, whose son, John,
occupied it.
Lefi"ert Lefferts was born March 14th, 1727, and died July 10th, 1804.
He left this part of his farm to his son, John, who was then its occupant.
Leffert Lefferts married August 5th, 1746, Dorothy Couwenhoven, who was
born February 8th, 1738, and died August 17th, 1816. He was a farmer
at Bedford, his house being located on the southwest corner of Clove Road
and Jamaica Turnpike, now Brevoort Place and Fulton Street. It was
occupied during 1776-1783 as headquarters by the British General, Gray.
John L. Lefferts, born May 24th, 1763; died October 13th, 1812, and
married April 25th, 1790, Sarah Couwenhoven, born December 28th, 1775;
died April 1st, 1856. He owned and resided on the farm, of which this house
was the homestead. On the death of John L. Lefferts, his youngest daughter,
Cornelia, secured it. Cornelia Lefferts was born March 27th, 1811; died
June 6th, 1857; married her cousin, Robert Benson Lefferts, son of John
L. Lefferts, of New Utrecht. He was born September 9th, 1813, and
died May 3rd, 1864. They were married February 20th, 1845, and left
[55]
The Bloom -LefFerts Homestead
no issue. Mr. Lefferts was engaged in the mercantile business in New
York from 1837 to 1856. Upon his marriage he resided in this house until
after his wife's death, when he sold it. Thus this house passed from the
Lefferts family into the Bently family in 1862, and again changed hands
two years ago, when Mr. Greenman took title.
The house shows in what manner Fulton Street was straightened.
It now stands at right angles to the road, whereas it formerly was parallel.
It is an interesting fact that Leffert Lefferts, who bought this land of
TurnbuU, was the fifth child of Jacobus Lefferts (Hagewout) born June 9th,
1689, and died September 3rd, 1768, and Jannetje Blom, his wife, October
7th, 1716, who was born January 18th, 1694, and was the daughter of
Claes Barentse Blom, the original owner, who is supposed to have emigrated
from Dortrecht, in the Netherlands. He married April 26th, 1685, Elizabeth
Paulus, widow of Paulus Vandervoort, of Bedford. It is possible that
this farm came with the widow. These facts show that descendants of the
original owners were in possession until the Bentleys purchased it, with
the exception of when Turnbull owned it. Jacobus Lefferts was the sixth
child of Lefferts Pieterse, whom we suppose was born in 1645, and who
married Abigail Van Nuyse. He was the son of Pieter Janse Hagewout,
born we suppose in 1621. He was the son of Jan Hagewoult, of Rouseen,
in the Netherlands. We dwell to some extent on this family in the sketch
on the John Lefferts Homestead.
The following children of John L. and Sarah C. Lefferts were born
we understand, in the old homestead:
(1). Leffert Lefferts, born March 30th, 1791, ancestor of the Marshall
Lefferts and kindred families.
(2). Ida Lefferts, born December 1st, 1794; died young.
(3). John R. Couwenhoven Lefferts, born March 1st, 1794; died
young.
(4). Catharine Lefferts, born March 21st, 1797; married John Laideur,
and has numerous issue.
(5). Nicholas R. Couwenhoven Lefferts, born March 28th, 1799;
married and has numerous descendants around New Brunswick, N. J.
(6). Colonel James Lefferts, of New York; born March 1st, 1800.
[56]
The Bloom- LefFerts Homestead
(7). John LefFerts, born March 1st, 1804; died in youth.
(8). Sarah Lefferts, born November 17th, or 27th, 1805; married
A. Orville INIillard, of Brooklyn, N. Y.
(9). Rem Lefferts, born November 11th, 1807; married Martha
Stratton.
(10). CorneHa Lefferts, born March 27th, 1811.
[57]
The Henry S. Ditmas Homestead, erected before 1800
The Henry S. Ditmas Homestead
When Mr. Henry Suydam Ditmas died on October 11th, 1884, he left
his homestead with a part of the front on Flatbush Avenue, and a part of
the farm to his only surviving son, John H. Ditmas, and the rest of his farm
he left to his other heirs. The house stood as to-day with the exception that
Mr. Ditmas has modernized and altered to some extent the structure. The
front door is new, but I understand the back door is the original. This house
does not show many of the marks of age, though it was built and for many
years used for a Dutch farmhouse of the better class.
It was, until recently, the abode of the present owner, a man who has
been a valued citizen in the community, and as such, this house, if for no
other reason, should be entitled to veneration. The grounds around it have
always been kept attractive, and those of us who remember when Flatbush
Avenue was the choice residential street in town, can remember when this
place was not the least attractive.
Mr. John H. Ditmas, the present owner, has spent an active and useful
life within these walls. He was born here in September, 1830, and received
his education at Erasmus Hall Academy, an institution of which he served
as trustee. He entered business in 1847 in the importing line, and in 1857
became connected with the Long Island Bank. He was with this institution
some forty years, advancing to the position of Cashier and later Vice-Presi-
dent. He was one of the founders, and is now Vice-President of the Flatbush
Trust Company. He is actively connected with the Flatbush Boys' Club and
the Dutch Reformed Church.
On October 5th, 1869, he married Miss Maria Kouwenhoven, a daugh-
ter of Cornelius Kouwenhoven and Mary Williamson, his wife. They were
the parents of three children, one of whom survives; namely, Miss Mary
Kouwenhoven Ditmas.
Mr. Ditmas, as has been stated, was a son of Henry Suydam Ditmas,
who was born July 12th, 1798, and died as we have stated. He married
Ann Schenck, a daughter of Teunis Schenck, and inherited the homestead
of his father. He was prominent not only in town but in county as well.
A man of action and of sterling \drtues. The greatest Dutchman the world
has known once said, "The man who never makes a mistake never does
anything." I have yet to hear of Mr. Ditmas's mistake, and yet he was
[59]
The Henry S. Ditmas Homestead
always doing something. He was President of Erasmus Hall during the
most prosperous time in its career.
Mr. and Mrs. Ditmas had issue as follows:
Abraham Ditmas, who died before his father, and had married Sarah
Ann, daughter of Jeremiah Ryder, of Gravesend. He had a daughter,
Cornelia Ditmas, now the wife of Mr. William Longmire.
John H. Ditmas, before mentioned.
Jane Ann Ditmas, who married on January 7th, 1845, Gerret Martense,
a lawyer of Flatbush, and son of Judge Gerret L. Martense and Jane Vander-
veer, his wife. Of their issue a daughter survives; namely, Jennie Vander-
veer Martense, who married Lionel Wilbur, and had issue Martense Wilbur,
who died when a young man, and Miss Anna Wilbur.
Gertrude C. Ditmas, who married Christopher Prince, and had issue
several children; and Maria Ditmas, who married Mr. John Z. Lott, a son
of Judge John A. Lott. He is one of the most prominent members of the
King's County Bar, and President of the Flatbush Trust Company, and
largely responsible for the high standing of that institution in the world of
finance. Mr. Lott is connected with many other enterprises of almost equal
worth. He is the father of Henry Ditmas Lott and Erskin Howard Lott,
both of whom are prominent residents of Flatbush. Mrs. Lott is deceased.
Mr. Ditmas was a trustee of Erasmus Hall fi-om March 1st, 1823, to
October 11th, 1884. He was a son of Abraham Ditmas, born February 5th,
1765; died August 13th, 1803, and Jane, daughter of Hendrick Suydam,
his wife.
Abraham Ditmas was a trustee of Erasmus Hall Academy from October
17th, 1791, until his death. He inherited a half of his father's farm, and
erected this house previous to 1800. He was the second son of Johannes
Ditmars and was by his second wife. Abraham had two sons, John A. Ditmas
being the other. He (John A. Ditmas) married Sarah Suydam, and had
issue seven children, of whom only one survives; namely. Miss Jane Gertrude
Ditmas, of Brooklyn. Abraham Ditmas also had two daughters; namely,
Maria, who married Dr. William Creed, of Jamaica, and Rebecca, who
married Theodorus Polhemus. She was the mother of Abraham Ditmas
Polhemus, spoken of elsewhere in this volume.
[60]
The Henry S, Ditmas Homestead
The father of Abraham Ditmas was Johannes Ditmars. He was a man
of prominence in the community, and was the owner of many broad acres.
He was married first to Lena Wyckoff, on May 17th, 1745; and second, in
1762, to Rebecca Staats, by whom Abraham was born. I have a large amount
of evidence to show that he was a half-brother of Quartermaster Johannes
Ditmas, although he calls him his brother when he appoints him executor
of his will. In the old days blood was thicker than water, and people con-
sidered themselves related who, to-day, would not think so. These two men,
sons of the same father, loved each other and trusted each other, therefore,
what difference did it make to them if they were of different mothers, or
for that matter related at all .' They divided their father's farm into two
parts, and lived during their lives as neighbors and friends.
Johannes Ditmars' father was known as Johannes Ditmarsen, who
married Jannetje Remsen. He was an important man, and held several
offices of trust. His father was Jan Jansen Van Ditmarsen, whose vdie was
Adrianna. He is supposed to have purchased the land where his homestead
stands on April 24th, 1681, of Gerret Lubbertsen. He was a son of the
common ancestor, Jan Jansen and Aeltje Douws, his wife, who emigrated
to this country about 1637.
The family this old home has sheltered for so many years is large,
and has numerous connections in New Jersey and in the West. I have
collected a large amount of data relating to it, and hope soon to issue a gene-
alogy of comprehensive size. Any information that any one may have will
be given due consideration, if they ^dll submit it.
[61]
The Suydam-Ditmas Homestead, erected before the Revolution
The Suydam-Ditmas Homestead
The Reverend Johannes Theodorus Polhemus, who was the first min-
ister of the churches in Kings County, obtained, June 25th, 1662, a patent
for 25 morgans of land, to which he added by purchase on March 6th, 1674,
of John Sebering an adjoining tract of 24 morgans, which Sebering bought of
Cornelius Swailer, to whom it had been granted in 1662. Governor Andros
granted a confirmatory patent for all this land December 25tli, 1680, to
Catharine, widow of Domine Polhemus. On December 19th, 1702, it was
conveyed by his heirs to Daniel Polhemus.
In 1709, Engelbert Lott (the eldest son of Peter, the common ancestor)
purchased from Daniel Polhemus and Neltje, his wiie, the southerly one-
third part of this farm, and lived there until his death, which we suppose
occurred in 1728. Abraham Lott, his eldest son, born in September, 1684,
married in 1709, Catherina Hegeman, from that time lived with his father
and cultivated the farm. When his father died, Abraham Lott became the
owner of his farm, and added to it by purchase the northerly two-thirds
part of the Polhemus farm. He died on July 29th, 1754, and left the southerly
one-third part of his farm to his son. Jacobus Lott, at whose death it was
sold to Hendrick Suydam.
Hendrick Suydam was a descendant of Heyndrycke Rycken, the common
ancestor, who emigrated from Suydam in 1663, and married Ida Jacobs.
He finally settled in Flatbush, dying in 1701. Their son, Hendrick Suydam,
of Bedford, died subsequently to 1743. He had by his wife, Bennetie, a son
named Hendrick, who was born December 2nd, 1706. He married Geertie
Ryerson, and died at Bedford, July 16th, 1768. His ^ife passed away on
December 7th, 1770. They had a son, Hendrick Suydam, born in 1732. He
married June 15th, 1753, Rebecca Emmans. In 1759, he purchased this
farm of the heirs of Jacobus Lott, and resided here until his death, July
9th, 1805. His son. Captain Andrew Suydam, married Phebe Wyckoff, of
Gravesend; his death occurred December 11th, 1831. Their only child,
Sarah, married John Ditmas, son of Abraham Ditmas and a brother of Henry
S. Ditmas. She was the mother of Abraham I. Ditmas and John Ditmas,
Jr. The heirs of John Ditmas, Jr., still own the homestead, and a son of
Abraham I. Ditmas lives in it.
[63]
The Suydam-Ditmas Homestead
Another branch of the Suydam family is connected with this place
through the Ditmas family. The mother of John Ditmas was Jane Suydam,
who married Abraham Ditmas, his father. She was a daughter of Hendrick
Suydam, born in 1730; died May 16th, 1791. His wife was Maria Amerman,
born May 21st, 1735; died November 14th, 1795. This Hendrick was a son
of Hendrick Suydam, baptized March 29tli, 1696. He married Geertie Van
Wicklen. He was a son of Jacob Suydam and Seytie Jacobs, his wife.
Jacob was born in 1666, and died in 1738. He was a son of the common
ancestor.
[64]
ilS'.ajissni""'- ,H'
lli.lkiail HI I 'II |||°';iii;j
The Adrian Martense Homestead
The Adrian Martense Homestead
On February 20th, 1889, Gertrude Prince, wife of John DufBeld Prince,
and daughter of George Martense, deceased; Mary Martense Prince, wife
of John D. Prince, Jr., and daughter of Jacob V. B. Martense, deceased;
Eliza Ann Martense, widow of Jacob Van Brunt Martense and Adrian
Vanderveer Martense, their son, and Helen Martense, their daughter, sold
the old Martense Homestead, which for many years had been occupied by
tenants. It was an historic sale, and was the beginning of that great real
estate movement which was to culminate in the high prices of to-day and of
the still higher prices of the future. The purchaser was William Ziegler,
and to-day the last semblance of farm life is being removed from this rural
section. Within a stone's throw from this house are row after row of one and
two-family brick houses. Only a short distance from three car lines, this
centrally located property abounds with interest to the speculators, who have
had the good taste to call the section by the old and honorable name of
Martense.
Just beyond this house stands Greenwood Cemetery, a reminder of
the time when all this land was open country and when this farm included
a part of the cemetery. This was the main or homestead farm, which
Adrian Martense left to his grandson, George Martense, when he died on
March 13th, 1817. It was originally a part of one of the largest farms in
Flatbush. This house was the homestead of the western division, as is
related in the story of the old Martense-Story Homestead.
The Martense family has been one of the most prominent families in
Flatbush, but unfortunately the name is now extinct as a surname, but the
blood is in many veins. The common ancestor's name was not Martense, for
this family are descendants of Adrian Reyerse, of Amsterdam, who emigrated
to this country in 1646, and settled in Flatbush. He married July 29th, 1659,
Annetje Martense, a daughter of Martin Roelofse Schenck, of Flatlands.
Reyerse's death occurred November 24th, 1710.
Of his children, Martin Adriance was born March 9th, 1668; he died
October 30th, 1754; married Sarah Remsen who was born December 1st,
1670; died April 30th, 1723. He was called "Martin de Boer" from the fact
of his large farm. Some of his children adopted the name of Martense and
others of Adriance.
[67]
The Adrian Martense Homestead
Adrian Martense, a son of the above, was born October 24th, 1707,
and died September 17th, 1780. Bergen says he married Neeltje whose last
name is unknowTi, but Mrs. Prince in her history says he married Annetje
Brinkerlioff, who was born July 22nd, 1706; both probably mean the same
person, and both are correct from a genealogical point of view. Mrs. Prince's
account gives us the missing link in the surname. They were the parents of
Adrian Martense, of Flatbush, born December 9th, 1742; died March 13th,
1817; married November 3rd, 1765, to Adriaentje Ryder, born February
2nd, 1741; died May 27th, 1776. He married second Jennetje Montfort
or Monfoor.
By his first marriage he had a son, Adrian, born August 17th, 1768,
and died December 12th, 1830. He married Gertrude, daughter of Jacob
Suydam, born January 25th, 1770; died January 9th, 1824. George Martense,
their only son, inherited the homestead farm from his grandfather, Adrian
Martense. George Martense was born July 18th, 1791; died August 18th,
1835; married, January 13th, 1818, Helen, daughter of Jacob Van Brunt,
of Brooklyn. She was born October 22d, 1800; died November 9th, 1875.
They were the parents of Adrian and George Martense, both of whom
died without issue, and of Jacob Van Brunt Martense, born February 20th,
1825; died December 16th, 1881, and married Eliza Ann, daughter of
Doctor Adrian Vanderveer. She was born May 16th, 1821; died August
15th, 1906. Doctor Vanderveer was one of the noted physicians of Kings
County, and was the founder of the Kings County Medical Society. He
was born December 21st, 1796, and died July 5th, 1857. He married Eliza,
daughter of Hendrick I. Lott and Mary Brownjohn, his wife. She was born
October 28th, 1796; died May 1st, 1875, and married Dr. Vanderveer on
March 25th, 1818.
Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Van Brunt Martense were the parents of Adrian
Vanderveer Martense, born November 5th, 1852; died January 3rd, 1898;
married Ellen Brown; and of Mary Martense. born April 22nd, 1861, who
married Mr. John Duffield Prince, Jr. ; also of Eliza Martense, born Decem-
ber 15th, 1847; died November 4th, 1874: George Martense, born July
21st, 1850; died April 20th, 1852; and of Helen Martense, born September
20th, 1857; died August 5th, 1893.
[68]
The Adrian Martense Homestead
The other children of Mr. and Mrs, George Martense were: Gertrude
Martense, who married John Duffield Prince, and Miss Hester Martense,
who never married.
This farm was for many years cultivated by the Berry family. John
F. Berry, one of this family, is the President of the New Utrecht Liberty Pole
Association, and is connected with many patriotic associations. The last
Martense to live here and cultivate this farm was Jacob Van Brunt Martence.
This place has witnessed stirring scenes. I do not believe this house stood
during the Revolution, but it was built soon after. Before its door passes
old Martense Lane, through which the British and Hessian soldiers passed
in their attack upon Lord Stirling's right wing of the American Army, who
were holding ground on the hills of Greenwood Cemetery.
This very yard, these fields, must have been the scene of some of the
skirmishes. This house, had it stood here, and its builder's home must have
been near, would have been the center of the scenes of activities where our
forefathers acquitted themselves nobly. To me the most thrilling scene of
history is that part of the Battle of Long Island fought near this spot, where
the brave men of Maryland fought so nobly, and where the Battle of Long
Island was won. Five thousand American farmers and tradesmen had de-
feated the flower of proud England's Army, reinforced by the vassals of
Germany to the number of 15,000.
Victory was ours ; when suddenly Lord Stirling heard firing to the north-
east, Washington, too, heard it from the ramparts on Brooklyn Heights.
Sullivan's men were surrounded. Stirling knew his duty and tried to retreat,
but he was already beset. With 15,000 of the enemy before him, and 10,000
behind, 5,000 American soldiers attempted to cut their way through. Rein-
forcements from Brooklyn Heights tried to aid them, but in vain. Company
after company forced their way through shattered in ranks, but 3,000 men
fought until the last drop of blood was shed or they were disarmed. General
Washington stood on the ramparts, peering through the dimness, the scattered
troops were coming through the fog, and he was heard to utter, " Good God,
what brave fellows I must this day lose ! "
[69]
Heirlooms
In a catalogue of " Articles of Ye Olden Time" exhibited at the Midwood
Club in 1896, we find many interesting subjects loaned by members of the
old families. I regret that I am not able to publish the catalogue complete
as a part of this book, but I may include it with some note in another book of
"More Historic Homesteads of Kings County." In that list are many
heirlooms loaned by the late Mrs. Jacob V. B. Martense and Mrs. Prince.
No. 173d is a "Foot Stove," used in the Martense family. And many
other heirlooms are listed such as a Lace Veil worn in 1790. Exhibited at
the World's Fair, Chicago, in 1893. Pictures depicting the Legend of Mar-
tense Lane and Old Joost. A portrait of Elizabeth Campbell, the grandmother
of Mrs. Doctor Vanderveer. Her Silver Tea Set and Silver Porringer.
A Spinning Wheel which belonged to a New York belle, and many other
articles including the Family Bibles.
This list should form the basis of a permanent collection to be gathered
together and preserved in one of the old homesteads as a Museum of History,
that we may know how our ancestors lived, and that we may study the past
with the idea of future improvement of our condition and customs.
[70]
The John Lefferts Homestead, erected previous to, and rebuilt during the
Revolution
The John Lefferts Homestead
No one can estimate the good this historic structure has accomplished.
Situated at the gateway to Flatbush, the tired man of business, wearily
riding home at dusk, sees first, as he enters Flatbush, this beautiful old Dutch
house, nestling low down in a group of grand old maples, and his tired mind
finds refreshing thoughts of the suburban home to which he is going, of the
quaint old town, cooler in summer and warmer in winter than Brooklyn,
with its society as old as New York's Knickerbocker stock.
To-day a scion of this old family occupies the homestead; in fact,
members of the Lefferts family have occupied this land since it was granted
to Lefferts Pietersen van Hagewout, founder of the Lefferts family. He mar-
ried Abagail Van Nuyse, daughter of Aucke Janse, founder of the Van Nuyse
family. He is spoken of elsewhere in this book. Leffert's death occurred
December 8th, 1704. As he came to this country with his parents, Pieter
Janse and Femmetje Hermens, in 1660, he must have died in the prime of
life. An examination of the records shows that he was assessed in 1676
£104 for stock and land, a considerable property for a man of his youth to
have acquired at that time. In 1683 he had increased his worldly goods
in the eyes of the assessors to £174/10.
His son, Pieter, occupied his father's farm. He was born May 18th,
1680; died March 13th, 1774, and married Eyte Suydam, who died Septem-
ber 25th, 1777. As a man of affairs, Pieter was County Treasurer from 1737
to 1772. He was also prominent in church. In 1767 he conveyed to his son,
John, for a consideration of £1400, the homestead farm in Flatbush.
Jan Lefferts, the above mentioned son, was born March 16th, 1719,
and died October 20th, 1776; married first, April 29th, 1746, Sarah Martense,
born November 23rd, 1727; died December 30th, 1762. He married second,
Lemmetje Vanderbilt, on April 17th, 1765; born May 25th, 1720; died
April 17th, 1782. He was Judge of the Court of Sessions and Common Pleas
from 1751 to 1761, one of the County Judges from 1761 to 1770, and first
Judge from 1770 until his death. Town Clerk of Flatbush 1773 to 1776,
and delegate to the Provincial Congress. He was a man of great wealth.
His son. Pieter Lefferts, born December 27th, 1753; died October 7th,
1791; married first, May 13th, 1775, Jannetie Lefferts; and second, June
7th, 1784, Femmetie, daughter of Evert Hegeman and Seytie Suydam,
[73]
The John LefFerts Homestead T
his wife. He was a well-known patriot and Lieutenant of Militia of Flatbush.
His home was burned during the Battle of Flatbush by the Americans,
because the British were shooting from behind it. Later Mr, Lefferts
rebuilt it as we see it to-day, after the original design. Mr. Lefferts was a
State Senator, and a Judge of the Court of Sessions and Common Pleas.
John Lefferts, son of the above, was born December 14th, 1785, and died
September 18th, 1829. He married June 3rd, 1823, Maria Lott Lefferts.
The greater part of his life after he passed his majority was spent in public
oflBce, which showed how much the people thought of him. From October
1811, to September, 1813, he held the office of County Treasurer. In 1813
he was a Member of Congress. In 1821 he was a Member of the State
Constitutional Convention, and from 1821 to 1826 a State Senator.
His son, John, born August 12th, 1826, inlierited the homestead, and
married first Eliza I., daughter of James Lefferts, of Bedford, born April
18th, 1831; died November 13th, 1867. He married second, February 1st,
1871, Helena A. Evans, born July 30th, 1840. Mr. Lefferts died April 18th,
1893, honored and loved by all with whom he came in contact.
James Lefferts, a son of Mr. John Lefferts by his first wife, owns the
old homestead and with his family occupy it. It would not be right to omit
mention of Gertrude L. Lefferts, eldest child of Senator John Lefferts.
She was born April 16th, 1824, and married, July 8th, 1846, Judge John
Vanderbilt, who died March 16th, 1877. Her life was largely spent in chari-
table pursuits. She was the author of an interesting book entitled "Social
History of Flatbush, " and was respected by all who knew her for her noble-
ness of mind.
We have traced the ownership of this house, from father to son, for
eight generations, or nearly two hundred and fifty years. The house, of
course, is not so old, but is it not a lesson to our modernism, that these good
people, their ancestors and descendants, who lived on or near this spot,
prospered in one locality for so many years ?
[74]
The Martense-Story Homestead
The Martense-Story Homestead
The Martense-Story Homestead, though not among the oldest houses
in Kings County, is of sufficient antiquity to interest us, and we would be
attracted to it, not only on account of its personal charms, but the fact that
Aunt Rachel Martense, who lived to pass the century mile-stone of life,
was born here. This place was recently sold at auction to settle the estates
of Rachel Martense and William H. and Joseph S. Story, deceased. It
consisted of a part of the farm of the late Adrian I. Martense.
Adrian I. Martense lived in this house. He was born October 3rd, 1776;
died September 13th, 1826. He lived the life of a farmer, and married
Deborah Berry. She was born September 25th, 1780, and died March 7th,
1865. They had issue Maria, who married first, Stephen Schenck in March,
1825. He died December 25th, 1825; and she married second, William W.
Story, on January 25th, 1831. Captain Story died on March 10th, 1875,
aged 77 years.
They had issue:
William H. Story, who married Myra Bergen, a daughter of Mr. John
C.Bergen and BerlindaAntonidis,his wife. Mr. Story was a civil engineer,
and died in 1907 without surviving issue.
Martense B. Story married Augusta Cruikshank. He was for many
years connected with the New York Dock Company, and at present resides
in Flatbush.
Joseph S. Story, who for many years lived with his aunt, Rachel Mar-
tense, was not married and is now deceased.
Rachel Martense was born February 2nd, 1801, and died February 14th,
1905, having earned the title of "Flatbush's oldest inhabitant." She never
married, and rumor says it was because of a love affair in her youth. What
fortitude she must have possessed to remain single all those years. She lived
a Christian life, working for others. A friend told me how, when she was
nearly a hundred years old and her eyesight was almost gone, she would sew
on coarse garments, such as underwear, for the poor.
Jane Martense, born in 1803; died October 30th, 1828, single. Eliza-
beth Martense, born in 1806; died July 26th, 1871; married May 12th,
1846, to Henry L. Crabb, of Flatbush.
[77]
The Martense- Story Homestead
On February 1st, 1865, Rachel Martense, as individual and as trustee
of her father's estate, Maria M. Story and her husband, and Elizabeth Crabb
and her husband, divided the land of their parents by deed of that date.
This consisted of the land which they had inherited from their father and
Gerret Martense, who I believe was a great-uncle born September 19th,
1740; died November 9th, 1826, single. He with their father had held the
land in common, until they divided it on February 2nd, 1819, as per deeds
of that date.
Adrian I. Martense was a son of Isaac Martense, who was born June
9th, 1748; died November 12th, 1778; married November 5th, 1775, to
Maria Meserole, born October 22nd, 1758; died June 18th, 1846.
Isaac Martense was a son of Adrian Martense, of Flatbush, born October
24th, 1707; died September 17th, 1780; married Neeltje, of Flatbush. On
the division of his father's plantation he received the west farm. He was a
son of Martin Adriance, commonly called "Martin de Boer," from the fact
of having the largest farm in Flatbush. His homestead stood where the
Parade Grounds are now.
The farm of Martin Adriance extended from Caton Avenue to the
northerly line of Mrs. Wilbur's present holdings along Flatbush Avenue,
back to the boundary line between New Utrecht and Flatbush, south for
some distance along the said boundary and across it into New Utrecht.
On his death he divided it into three farms. The southern farm he gave to
his son, Rem Martense, from whom it descended to the Crooke family.
The northern farm he gave to his son, Gerret Martense, from whom it has
passed to Mrs. Lionel Wilbur, and part of it was owned by Mrs. J. M.
Ferris, who was a Miss Martense before she married the distinguished
editor of the Christian Intelligencer. The west farm descended as we have
described in this sketch and in the sketch of the Martense house proper.
Martin Adriance was born March 9th, 1668; died October 30th, 1754;
married Sarah Remsen, born December 1st, 1670; died April 30th, 1723.
He was a son of Adriaen Reyerse, who emigrated from Amsterdam to this
country in 1646, and married July 29th, 1659, Annetje Martense, daughter
of Martin Roelofse Schenck, of Flatlands, who is spoken of elsewhere in
this volume. Adriaen Reyerse died November 24th, 1710.
[78]
The Van Brunt-Robarts Homestead, erected previous to the Revolution
The Van Brunt- Robarts Homestead
Among the numerous Dutchmen who came to America previous to
1664, few have left descendants who have adhered to the virtues of their
race as have the descendants of Rutger Joesten Van Brunt. I do not say
this because I am one of his descendants, but when you look through "The
Van Brunt Family," a book by Tunis G. Bergen, you can distinguish the
traits of the ancestors descending to the children, and when you know some
of the living descendants you can not fail to appreciate them as a family.
Although I believe my own branch are worthy representatives of the Van
Brunt family, yet I do not keep them in mind when I write of the other
branches, so that I may speak without prejudice.
But I am writing the story of an old house which for many years has
interested me, and the branch of the Van Brunt family who owned it are very re-
motely connected with mine, so perhaps I can trust my pen to an unbiased task.
The common ancestor, Rutger Joesten Van Brunt, emigrated from
Netherlands in 1653. In 1657 he was among the first settlers of New
Utrecht. Unlike many of the other Dutch names in America, Van Brunt
was a surname, and to-day there is a family in Holland by this name. He
was a large landholder and at various times held offices of public trust.
It is recorded that the life of his wife was threatened by one of the freebooters
who was engaged to fight the battles of the English Towns on Long Island.
He threatened to thrust poor Tryntie Claes through with a sword. Van
Brunt had married Tryntje Claes, the widow of Stoffel Hermenson, who had
been killed by the Indians in 1655, and by whom all his children were born.
The line we are to follow descends through Joost Van Brunt, a son of
the common ancestor. He probably owned and occupied this farm. April
16th, 1687, he married Aeltie, daughter of Coert Stevensz Van Voorhees, of
Flatlands. He died about 1746, and his wife on November 12th, 1746. For
many years he was a deacon or elder of the New Utrecht Church, and was
Supervisor for upwards of thirty years. He advanced in the militia to the
rank of Colonel. There is a court record of an attack made upon him by
upwards of thirty persons, who stole 30 acres of his corn and wounded him.
"The cause of this riot has not been ascertained," says Bergen.
In the next generation we find his only son, Rutgert, who was known
as Ryke Bood or rich brother, the reason for which is apparent. His death
[81]
The Van Brunt-Robarts Homestead
occurred July 5th, 1758. He married Jannetje Van Dyck, of New Utrecht.
He was Supervisor of New Utrecht from 1744 to 1758, and at one time
Captain of the militia; was also a member of the Consistory of the Church.
Upon his death he divided his land among his four daughters, his son having
previously been accidentally drowned. We suppose he lived on this farm,
and if he did he probably lived in this house, as we would judge it to be of
ample age. Compared with the Colonel Jeromus Lott House erected previous
to the Revolution, and to other landmarks of the pre-Revolution period, it
was erected in the first part of the 18th century, as after 1750 the houses were
given a higher foundation. I remember when the chimneyplace was exposed
at the side, and the bricks were of the kind brought from Holland.
On the division of Rutgert Van Brunt's estate on September 23rd,
1762, this farm was allotted to his daughter Maria, who died a short time pre-
vious to the Revolution. About April, 1737, Maria Van Brunt married Joris
Lott, who was born October 3rd, 1717; died August 26th, 1762. They had
issue two children; namely,
John Lott, who died before his father and whose descendants occupied
part of the New Utrecht land ;
And Jannetje Lott, born January 14th, 1745; died in 1817; married
September 24th, 1763, Nicholas Cowenhoven, of New Utrecht, a neighbor,
who was known as Judge Cowenlioven. They had children as follows :
(1). John N. Cowenhoven, married Susan Martense, and had children;
Maria, born April 6th, 1803; died June 23rd, 1867; married May 20th,
1820, Egbert Benson; and Jane, born February 1st, 1805, who married June
27th, 1827, Daniel Roberts, of New Utrecht;
(2). George Cowenhoven, married Elizabeth, daughter of Rutgert Van
Brunt, of Gravesend, and died without issue.
Maria Cowenhoven Benson and Jane Cowenhoven, who later became
Mrs. Robarts, divided the land of their late father, John N. Cowenhoven, on
August 31st, 1826. The farm we are describing descended thus to Mrs.
Robarts.
Those who have owned this place, when making alterations, have v^isely
kept near to its original design. I claim no beauty but simple quaintness
for this old friend. It has seen many interesting events. Past this dooryard
[82]
The Van Brunt-Robarts Homestead
swept the British Army on August 23rd, 1776, driving before them the hand-
ful of raw Americans, farmers and tradesmen, who were gathered to defend
what they believed, and what they proved, were their inalienable rights.
Here, within sound of this house, was fought the most bitterly contested
battle of history, which would have resulted in the most destructive battle
the world has ever known, save for the masterly stratagem of that master
of armies, Washington. Here, within gun-shot of our modern rifle, the
liberties of America were almost snuffed out. Should we not honor this
house which silently watched and waited while history was being made,
doing its duty silently and faithfully, housing its occupants unto the present
day .'' And now it stands a reminder that the men we read about really lived
and had their being, and they, like us, were men subject to all the human
ambitions of men, and that we, as they, may develop ourselves into men of
activities not only for the present, but for the future generations, to look back
with pride and say, "My grandfather did thus and so"; adding, if possible,
further glory to the family name.
[83]
The Simon Cortelyou Homestead, erected previous to the Revohition
The Simon Cortelyou Homestead
In the Memoirs of the Long Island Historical Society, Volume I, is a
" Journal of a Voyage to New York in 1679-80, by Jaspar Bankers and Peter
Sluyter of Wiewerd in Friesland, and translated by the Hon. H. C. Murphy."
An account of a visit made by them to Jacque Cortelyou, the founder of New
Utrecht, at his home at Najack (Fort Hamilton) is given. It tells us, " Jaques
is a man advanced in years. He was born in Utrecht, but of French parents,
as we could readily discover from all his actions, looks and language."
They tell us "that the \'illage had been burned, including his house," which
was half an hour's distance from it. They say, "It was now almost all rebuilt,
and many good stone houses were erected, of which Jaques's was one."
Jaques came to America in 1652, and was Surveyor General of the
Colony in 1657. He represented his town in the Hempstead Convention of
1665, and was Vendue-Master in 1672. He had issue:
Jaques, born about 1662; died in 1726; was twice married. He owned
a part of his father's farm. Pieter, born about 1664; married before Novem-
ber 15th, 1691., to Diewertje De Wit; died April 10th, 1757. He also owned
and cultivated a part of his father's farm at Najack, and was also a surveyor.
Of his children we will trace the line of Peter, born September 25th,
1699.
Of the other issue of the common ancestor, Cornelius died before him.
And of Maria and William I have no further trace. Another daughter,
Helena, married August 19th, 1683, Nicholas Rutgersz Van Brunt. On his
death, she married Deonys Teunis; and on his death, she married third,
Hendrick Hendricksen. Bergen says of her, in the Van Brunt Family,
"On the division of the real estate of Jaques Cortelyou, after his decease,
Helena obtained as her portion all the land along the Narrows and bay of
New York, from and including that occupied by Fort Hamilton to the land
formerly of George Duryea, deceased. Her son, Jaques Denyse, by her
second husband, appears to have obtained possession of this property, to
the exclusion of her son by her first husband." Having seen how this tract
of land was divided, we find Jaques Cortelyou, son of Peter and Diewertje
Cortelyou, died October 10th, 1757. On April 25th, 1718, he married
Jacomintie Van Pelt. He was a farmer, occupjdng, we suppose, his father's
farm. He had issue two daughters and a son, Peter, born October 3rd,
[85]
The Simon Cortelyou Homestead
1722, and married Agnes, daughter of Simon De Hart. They had issue two
sons, Jaques and Simon Cortelyou.
Jaques Cortelyou was born October 16th, 1743, and died September
14th, 1815. He was twice married, first, to Mary Hewlet on November 1st,
or 15th, 1767. She was born June 16th, 1737; died October 23rd, 1771.
She was the mother of one child, Peter J. Cortelyou, born November 28th,
1768; died September 12th, 1804. He followed his father's example and
married twice, first, to Femmetje, daughter of Adrian Voorhies, and second
to Mary Alstine. Jaques Cortelyou married for a second time July 28th,
1773, Sarah Townsend, of Queen's County, who was born July 16th, 1746;
died September 17th, 1829, by whom he had one son, Timothy Townsend
Cortelyou, born November 19th, 1774; died May 1st, 1829; married July
23rd, 1801, to Anna, daughter of William Kouwenhoven, of Flatlands, born
November 5th, 1785; died February 28th, 1843.
Timothy Townsend Cortelyou occupied a part of his father's farm.
He lived in a house located on the site where the big gun formerly stood when
it was in active service. This gun was the largest ever cast, and was more of
a curiosity than an useful weapon. My uncle (Mr. Van Brunt) has often told
me how he climbed into it when a boy. It stands now in Fort Hamilton
Park. Timothy T. Cortelyou had issue Sarah T., who married Isaac, a
son of John Cortelyou; Johanna, who married Simon J. Bergen; Ruth and
Peter, both died single; Anna Maria, died in babyhood; Anna Maria
married John L. Van Pelt; Timothy T. married Ann, daughter of Rutgert
I. Stillwell; Freelove Jane, who died young, and Freelove Jane, who died
single; Ida, William, and Mary E. died single.
The younger brother of Jaques, Simon Cortelyou, was born March
11th, 1746; died August 15th, 1828. He married first. May 20th, 1763,
Sarah Van Wyck, who died March 3rd, 1816. He married second, September
5th, 1817, Maria Bogert, widow of Jaques Borkuloo. She died September
9th, 1841. We wih return to this family after lineating another branch.
When the British soldiers landed upon Long Island on August 22nd,
1776, they landed along the shore at Bath, upon the farms of Captain Adrian
Van Brunt and Isaac Cortelyou, a force estimated at from 15,000 to 30,000
men. From the area of the ground covered, I believe the latter number the
[86]
The Simon Cortelyou Homestead
nearer correct. Isaac Cortelyou was a son of Jaques and Mary Cortelyou,
of New Utrecht. It would seem that his farm had been a part of the original
Najack tract. He was born August 11th, 1736, and died October 3rd, 1811.
He was a third cousin of Jaques and Simon Cortelyou, whom we are
directly chronicling. Isaac married Altie Rapalje and had numerous issue,
of whom Martha, Jaques, Isaac, Daniel and Hendrick died single, and
Aletta married Albert O'Blenis, Angletie married Lefferts Martense, of
Flatbush, father of Judge Garret L. Martense, and John or Johannes
married Catharine, daughter of Peter Lefferts, of Flatbush.
Simon Cortelyou had four daughters. He left in his will to each one,
$4,000. They were as follows;
Hannah, then widow of Isaac Cornell, whom she married in 1783, and
died in 1825. She had issue:
(A). Isaac, married Maria Ryerson or Rapalje.
(B). Simon, married Maria Cortelyou.
(C). Daniel, married Catherine Rapalje.
(D). Anna, died unmarried.
(E). Hannah, married Dr. Nelson L. Hurd, and had two daughters.
(F). Peter, died unmarried.
(G). Margaret, who married Tennis Johnson, has numerous issue.
(H). "Whitehead, died unmarried.
(I). John, lost at sea.
(J). Sarah, unmarried.
(K). Ruth, no further trace.
(L). Peter, died young.
Sarah, widow of John Cornell, whom she married May 6th, 1787.
She was born May 13th, 1767; died August 3rd, 1858. In 1782, she married
Charles Conradi. He shot himself in " a term of Insanity. " She had children
as follows:
Sarah, George, Catherine, Margaret, Simon C, Agnes, and Mary,
who died unmarried. Also Ann, who married Arthur J. Hirst, Whitehead J.
married Juliet Hicks, George L. married Isabel Sheldon, John S. married
Mary Fitz Randolph Lewis, Peter C. married Elizabeth Bunce, Isaac R.
married Elizabeth M. Duyckinck, and Samuel G. married Sarah Douglass.
[87]
The Simon Cortelyou Homestead
Agnes Cortelyou, wife of Russel Tomlinson, had several children, and
resided in Connecticut. He leaves the largest part of his estate to his
two grandsons, Peter and John. He names them and their brother,
Simon Cortelyou, executors, and states that they are the children of his son,
Peter S. Cortelyou deceased, and directs them to care for their sisters, Eliza
and Agnes. He also names a daughter, Mary, deceased, wife of John S.
Garretson.
Simon and Jaques Cortelyou were Tories, strong adherents of the
King from the first, and many interesting tales are told of this Simon's home.
At the time of the landing of the British, three houses stood upon the shore
where Fort Hamilton now stands. These were the Bennet House, Denyse
Denyse's stone house and ferry, and at what is now the south side of the
reservation stood this house. Lossing in his Field Book of the Revolution
shows a picture of it. In Onderdonk's Revolutionary Incidents, he gives
an account of a bombardment which damaged the Bennet and Denyse
House. But incident 867 is of particular interest. I quote it in full. "Tren-
ton Nov. 11, '78. The 3d inst Marrener, with 7 men of Lord Stirling's
division, landed at N. Utrecht and brought off Simon and Jaques Cortel-
you, two famous Tories in the enemies' lines and specie and other property,
to the amount of $5,000. The prisoners are on parole at Brunswick, and are
to be exchanged for two citizens of Jersey, in capti\'ity with the enemy.
" Capt. Marrener took Simon Cortelyou, of N. Utrecht to N. Brunswick
as a return for his uncivil conduct to the American prisoners. He took his
silver tankard and several other articles. Gen. Johnson.
"On Tuesday night, Nov. 3d. between 11 and 12, Simon and Jaques
Cortelyou were carried off by a party of rebels, from the Narrows. The
house of the former was robbed of cash to the amount of £200, besides a
large quantity of linen, blankets &c. The marauders behaved with their
usual insolence and inliumanity, and frequently threatened the terrified
children of the family, then in bed, with immediate death. Gaine Nov.
8, '78."
Ross, in his History of Long Island, says that General Howe slept in
this house the night after the landing of the British. In the Memorial History
of the City of New York, of which General James Grant Wilson was editor,
[88]
The Simon Cortelyou Homestead
it is said it was supposed to have been Lord Howe's headquarters. I am told
it was burned down about four years ago. Mrs. Townsend Cortelyou Van
Pelt loaned me the original photograph from which the picture shown in
this book was taken.
[89]
immtwammmmnlm
The Van Pelt Manor House, erected over 200 years ago
The Van Pelt Manor House
Teunis Jansen, or Tonis Jansen Lanen Van Peelt as he wrote his name,
from Luyck, in Netherlands, in 1675, 1678 and 1680, bought land in New
Utrecht, and is mentioned in the Dongan Patent of 1686. Was known as
Tonis, the Fisher. He was supposed to have married twice; first, to (sup.)
Grietje Jans, and second, on August 6th, 1696, to Gertrude Jans, the widow
of John Otter. The similarity of names is confusing, and early historians
may have made a mistake, for they may be the same person.
The second generation was Aert Tunise Van Pelt, son of the above,
by his first wife. He was born in 1663, in New Amsterdam, and married
September 10th, 1686, Neeltie Janse Van Tuil. He was a magistrate of
New Utrecht in 1694, Lieutenant of militia in 1705, and Captain in 1715.
On September 10th, 1694, he bought this farm of Hendrick Mathysen
Smack, the common ancestor of the Smock family. It was known as plan-
tation-lot No. 10. He bought of Balthazer Vosch plantation-lot No. 11 in
1677. These two lots contained 58 morgan or 116 acres. In 1706 he was
assessed for 80 acres of land. He had probably sold a part of his holdings
by that time.
Peter Van Pelt, son of the above, married October 19th, 1734, Antje
Dorland. Was Captain of New Utrecht Militia in 1750, and died September
6th, 1781. His son. Rem Van Pelt, born April 17th, 1738, married Ida
Lefferts, daughter of Jacobus Lefferts and Catherine Vanderbilt, his wife;
born January 26th, 1745; died July 2nd, 1828.
Rem Van Pelt was a farmer. He was born in this historic homestead.
Bergen tells in his Van Brunt Family the following incident of him.
" On the 13th of June, 1778, Wm. Marrener with Lieut. John Schenck
and twenty-eight militia-men from Middletown Point, N. J., landed from
two boats on the New Utrecht beach, and after having called upon their
friends, with a portion of their force marched to Flatbush with the intention
of making prisoners of Mayor Matthews of N. Y., Miles Sherbrook, Major
Moncriffe and Theophylaet Bache. The attempt on the two former failed
on account of their absence, but succeeded with the others, and in addition,
Capt. Forrest was captured, who were all safely carried off from their beds,
marched to the Beach, and taken to New Jersey. The British authorities
rightly supposed that it was impossible for Marrener's party to have marched
[91]
The Van Pelt Manor House
to Flatbush in the evening without having been seen by some of the inhab-
itants. Those who knew of or had seen the party and failed to give the
alarm, by law, were guilty of treason. Col. Rutgert Van Brunt, of Gravesend,
and his brother Adrian, and Rem Van Pelt and his brother Aert, of New
Utrecht, were arrested on the 16th of June, on suspicion, and confined sep-
arately in the provost jail in New York. The colonel who had money,
managed to bribe the sergeant who had charge so as to obtain a midnight
interview with his fellow prisoners, at which it was arranged to deny all
knowledge of the affair. When examined separately, they all agreed in their
story, and no proof appearing against them, they were discharged."
Captain Marrener told General Johnson after the Revolution, that
after he had landed he went to the house of his friend, Old Man Van Pelt
(Peter Van Pelt), knocked on his window, and told him of his intentions.
He had been quartered, when a prisoner of the British, at this house.
After Mr. Van Pelt had wished him luck, he went to his son's. Rem Van
Pelt's, and from there made his final start.
Peter Van Pelt lived in the homestead, and the window is shown where
Marrener tapped. The Van Pelts owned two farms in New Utrecht.
Peter Van Pelt left the manor-house and surrounding land to his son, Aert
Van Pelt, who was born October 20th, 1748; married Femmetje Stellenwerf,
and died without issue. He left the manor-house to his grand-nephew, John
L. Van Pelt, subject to payments to other heirs. All of Rem's descendants
were born in the other house.
Rem Van Pelt died March 18th, 1829, leaving issue:
(1). Geertje Van Pelt, born April 30th, 1770; died September 8th,
1796; married November 6th, 1788, to Hendrick Suydam, son of Captain
Lambert Suydam of Bedford and had a son, Lambert, who married Wilhel-
mina, daughter of Winant Bennet, of New Utrecht.
(2). Jacob Van Pelt, a farmer, of New Utrecht, was born March 10th,
1774, and died October 16th, 1827; married August 19th, 1802, to Maritie,
daughter of JohannesE. Lolt and Catharine Vanderbilt, his second wife. Judge
Lott was the first Surrogate of Kings County, and the leading man of his genera-
tion not only in Flatbush but also in all Kings County. Maritje Lott Van Pelt
was born October 10th, 1781, and died October 3rd, 1852. They had issue:
[ 92 ]
The Van Pelt Manor House
(A). Gertrude Van Pelt, born September 22nd, 1804, and died Novem-
ber 5th, 1851, single.
(B). John Lott Van Pelt, born August 1st, 1806; married December
17th, 1834, Anna Maria, daughter of Timothy T. Cortelyou. Mr. Van Pelt
died in 1885.
Jacob Van Pelt was born and lived in another old house at Eighty-
sixth Street and Twentieth Avenue. There his son, John L. Van Pelt, was
born and lived, and there Townsend Cortelyou Van Pelt was born, but on
his marriage he moved to the Old Manor House. When he took up his
abode in the ancestral home it was a simple old house without a room in the
second story; these he put in, as well as a heating plant and modern conve-
niences. In the parlor, around the fireplace, are the old Dutch tiles brought
from Holland when the first house was erected here. As was customary
they depict Bible Stories. John Lott Van Pelt and Anna Maria Cortelyou,
his wife, had six children, namely:
The late John V. Van Pelt, who married Josephine G. Miller.
Mary L. Van Pelt, widow of Jeremiah Van Brunt, of New Utrecht.
The late Jacob L. Van Pelt.
Anna Cortelyou Van Pelt, widow of George Shields, of Bath Beach.
Delia Van Pelt, first wife of the late George Shields.
And Townsend Cortelyou Van Pelt, who was born November 13th, 1837,
and married October 24th, 1866, Maria Elizabeth Ditmars, daughter of
the late John Ditmars, of Flatlands Neck. (See the John Ditmars Home-
stead.) She was born September 24th, 1843. For many years Mr. and Mrs.
Van Pelt have been the leading spirits in the Liberty Pole preservation move-
ment, described at some length in another chapter. In this house much has
been done to preserve the history of our past. Mrs. Van Pelt is noted for
her knowledge of local history. She is connected with several patriotic
associations, and is the founder of the New Utrecht Liberty Pole Association,
which was organized in the parlor of this historic home.
In front of this house stands one of the few remaining direction stones
erected previous to the Revolution. Another stands in front of the Judge
Stillwell place. One formerly stood in front of Mr. John L. Ryder's, but
I think only two of these stones are left in position.
[93]
Gerretsen's Mill at Gravesend
Gerretsen's Mill at Gravesend, L. I.
The Indian deed of Barren Island, a copy of which is in my possession,
says: it is "enviorened with the main ocean sea which on the westermost
part thereof branches itself, unto a river running northerly, that is to say,
to the land sometime belonging to Hugh Garretson." This evidently alludes
to the Strome Kil now known as Garritson's Creek and Mill Pond. Tunis
G. Bergen in his "Early Settlers of Kings County," says: "Samuel (Ger-
etsen) m. Ida Barents. On ass. roll of Gd. of 1693. Cen. of 1698 and deeds
of same dates as per pp. 175-177-182 and 183 of Lib. 2 of Con; also clerk
of the board of supervisors in 1703, and mem. of the colonial legislature
from 1716 to 1737. Believe him to be the ancestor of the Gd. family of
Garretsens, who owned a farm and tide mill in said town located on the
Strome Kil, the boundary between Gd. and Fids, known as Gerretsen's
mill ; and also of the late J. Fletcher Gerretsen and Judge Sam'l Gerretsen of
Brn. and Thos. Gerretsen of Fids. Issue Ferdinandus bp. Apr. 25th, 1696
and other children."* From the same source we find that he was a son of
Gerret and Mary Remmersen. We also find that this Gerret was a son of
Rem, of Gravesend, and that Hugh Garretson owned land adjoining Flat-
lands, prior to 1645.
In tracing back the line of ownership, I met with some difficulty on
account of the lack of genealogical reference to this family. In the New York
Surrogate's oflSce I found my first link. There in Liber 25, page 232, is the
will of Johannes Gerritsen, miller, of Gravesend, who gave to his son, Samuel
Gerritsen, all his real and personal estate, subject to certain legacies, which
he (Samuel) was to pay. In this will he names his widow, Jannetie, and a
daughter, Ida. His executors are named as his brother-in-law Michiel
Vandervoort, and Rem Williamson and his cousin Jacobus Rider. The
date of this will is December 20th, 1765.
Johannes Gerritsen is evidently a son or grandson of Samuel Geretsen,
spoken of by Bergen. It seems to me that he was a son, born some time after
1700, for at the making of his will he (Johannes) had a son evidently past
majority. There is no question raised in the will about the son's majority.
Now, this is a carefully executed instrument. Gerritsen, being a Dutchman,
* Names are spelled as the people themselves spelled them. Father and son often spelled
the surname differently.
[95]
Gerretsen's Mill at Gravesend, L. I.
he would most surely have arranged his will to meet such an emergency.
Considering that fact, he was probably at the time of ensealing his will a
man of 50 to 65 years of age. Then, too, there was a custom among the
Dutch, which has come down to the present day, of which your compiler's
name is an example, of naming the children after the grandparents, and giv-
ing them as a middle name the first name of their parents. This Gerritsen
family illustrates that fact.
The next record I found was the will of Samuel Garritsen, of Gravesend,
recorded in the Kings County Surrogate's office, in Liber 2, probated in
1822. In this will he leaves his grist mill and farm to his son, John S., and
names daughters, Jane and Elizabeth. He appoints his son-in-law, John
Lott, and his grandson. Van Brunt Magaw, executors.
Van Brunt Magaw was born September 7th, 1783; died March 18th,
1831 ; was a son of Colonel Robert Magaw, an officer of distinction in the
Revolution, and Marritje, daughter of Colonel Rutgert Van Brunt. Van
Brunt Magaw, married November 2nd, 1811, Adriana, daughter of Louwrens
Voorhees and Jannetie, his wife, daughter of Samuel Garritson.
Elizabeth Garritsen, married John Lott, second son of Judge Johannes
E. Lott and Catharine Vanderbilt, his second wife. They lived on the farm
which Judge Lott bought of the heirs of Philip Nagel. He left this farm on
his death to John Lott. They (Mr. and Mrs. John Lott) were the parents of
Samuel G. Lott, the father of the late Mr. Theodore Lott.
The will of John S. Gerretson, miller, of Gravesend, was probated
September 2nd, 1864, and is recorded in Liber 28. He leaves his farm,
meadows and mill to his son, Samuel J. Gerretsen, and another farm which
he had bought of the Stillwells, to his other son, Simon C. Gerretsen.
Samuel J. Gerretsen's will was recorded on October 31st, 1876, and was
made May 4th of the same year. He leaves all his property, both real and
personal, to his two daughters, Mary C, widow of Abraham Ditmas Polhe-
mus, and Helen B., wife of Stephen H. Herriman, both of Brooklyn.
We find a genealogical record of the family at this point, namely that
Samuel J. Gerretsen, of Gravesend, married October 2nd, 1821, Jane,
daughter of Jacob Van Brunt and Esther Vanderbilt, his wife, born May
14th, 1803; died November 20th, 1861. They had children as follows:
[96]
Gerretsen's Mill at Gravesend, L. I.
Mary C, born July 7th, 1822; married May 13th, 1846, Abraham D.
Polhemus, of Brooklyn. Helen B., born November 15th, 1824; married
on April 25th, 1853, to Stephen H. Herriman, of Brooklyn.
On December 20th, 18G4, Samuel J. Gerretsen deeded part of this
property to his son-in-law, Abraham Ditmas Polhemus, and on November
14th, 1879, the executors of the will of Abraham D. Polhemus sold the prem-
ises which he had purchased to Helen V. B. Herriman. On the death of
Stephen H. Herriman, who had acquired his wife's interest in the property,
he left it to his three children, namely: William S. Herriman, Maria Bell
Hazen and Helen Herriman. On the death of W. S. Herriman he left his
sister, Maria Bell Hazen, his interest in the Gravesend property. Thus the
title became vested in Mrs. Hazen and Miss Herriman.
In 1899 Mrs. Hazen and Miss Herriman sold the estate to the Honorable
William C. Whitney, who rebuilt, laid out, refitted and restored the premises,
making one of the most magnificent country seats around New York. On
his death his son, Harry Payne Whitney, came into possession of the property.
[971
The John S. Voorhees Homestead, erected about 200 years ago
The John S. Voorhees Homestead
This house is now owned by Mr. George Still well, of Gravesend, who
has made a study of all that pertains to our local history. It was inherited
by his wife, Jane E. Voorhees, who was a daughter of Lucas J. and Gertrude
(Suydam) Voorhees.
Lucas J. Voorhees was born April 20th, 1809,* and died January 21st,
1879. He was married on December 17th, 1829, to his cousin Gertrude
Suydam, who was born November 19th, 1808. She passed away May 15th,
1877. The father of Lucas J. was John S. Voorhees. He was born October
8th, 1780, and died February 23rd, 1862. On August 26th, 1804, he married
Adrianna Voorhees, born August 22nd, 1787. She died June 2nd, 1854.
Stephen J. Voorhees was the father of John S., and he was born February
1739, and died about 1816. He married May 31st, 1767, Phebe Ryder, who
was born January 22nd, 1749, and died March 25th, 1816. Stephen
J. Voorhees' name appears on the militia rolls of Gravesend of 1761.
Of his children, Jane, born April 4th, 1773; died September 17th, 1831;
married April 4th, 1797, George Suydam, of Gravesend, and they were the
parents of Gertrude, who married Lucas J. Voorhees.
An interesting story is told how John S. Voorhees's father fought in
the Battle of Long Island. The militia could not be compelled to leave
the island, as their families and possessions were at stake. Some of them did,
however, and among them was Stephen J. Voorhees. He stayed with the Con-
tinental Army until the last. There is a tradition that a Hessian soldier was
buried under the back parlor of this house. When the British were expected
to land. General Washington ordered all the grain to be stacked in the fields
for burning, and arrangements made for driving off and killing the cattle.
I am told that for many years you could see, on a lonely road back of Graves-
end, the bones of these cattle bleaching in the sun. When the officers whose
duty it was to devastate the country came round, they allowed Mrs. Voorhees
to keep one of her cows, if she would hide it in a bedroom or cellar, because
she had a young baby. This she did.
In the melee of the Battle of Long Island her husband had become sep-
arated from his company and had worked his way home. A Hessian soldier
* Lucas Voorhees's name is written in the Voorhees Genealogy as Lucas J. Voorhees,
while in some places in other books his name is written Lucas I. Voorhees.
[99]
The John S. Voorhees Homestead
entered the house in search of beef. He discovered the cow which was hidden
to supply the baby with milk, and set about to carry it off, but in an alterca-
tion with the head of the house he was killed. They, according to tradition,
buried him in the cellar so that his friends would not learn what had happened
to him, and cause the family trouble. Mr. Voorhees realized that it would
be better for him to reach the American Army without delay, and he made
his escape to them that night.
To me this house is of particular interest, as it embodies a number of
ideas which leads your compiler to believe it to be very old. The wing at
the left of the picture is of quite recent date, and the other wings appear to
have been added. The nearness to the ground is characteristic of the first
part of the Eighteenth Century. I am of the opinion that it is about two hun-
dred years old. If I am right it was erected by John Coerte Voorhees and
Seytie, his wife, who were the parents of Stephen J. Voorhees.
John Coerte Voorhees was a son of Steven Coerte, who was the first
Voorhees in Gravesend, and who married Agatha Janse, and died February
16th, 1723-4. He was a son of Koert Stevensen of Flatlands, who emigrated
with his father in 1660. He was born in 1637, and married prior to 1664,
Marretje Gerritse Van Couwenhoven. He held numerous ofiices both in
church and state. In 1689 was Captain of militia. March 8th, 1691-2 he
bought of John Tilton all his real estate in Gravesend. At one time, he signed
his name Coert Stevense Van Ruinen.
His father was the common ancestor of the Voorhees family in America.
He emigrated, in 1660, with his wife and seven children, from Ruinen, in
Drenthe, Netherlands. He purchased land in Amersfoort and owned the
house plot in Amersfoort, including the brewery with its apparatus, which
he purchased of Cornelis Dircksen Hoogland on November 29th, 1660,
with other lands, etc., for 3,000 guilders, a large sum at that time. This
shows that some of the settlers brought money with them from Netherlands.
This brewery was located near the Flatlands Church, and at the junction of
Kings Highway, Mill Lane and the present Flatbush Avenue.
[100]
The Judge Nicholas Stillwell Homestead, erected about 1808
The Judge Nicholas Stillwell Homestead*
The homestead we are about to describe interests me for other reasons
than that of its age. Its interests are not those which years will dim, but
which will draw nearer and dearer to those who make a study of God's
noblest work, man. Here, in this house, lived one of those men, who did not
wait for death to receive the praise of his fellow men. This house was the
home of Judge Nicholas Stillwell, a man who coped with difficult things and
achieved success. His head was never turned either by honor or flattery.
A man of will, of purpose, and of integrity.
He was born on June 10th, 1808, and lived until 1885. His life was a
life of toil and usefulness, not only for himself, but for his neighbors as well.
For thirty-seven years he was Clerk of Gravesend, and for many years Justice
of the Peace and Coroner. For fourteen years he was a Justice of the Supreme
Court. A strong adherent of General Jackson, his entire life was spent as
an active member of the Democratic party. Judge Stillwell was also inter-
ested in militia and served with honor, holding the rank of First Lieutenant,
First New York Light Horse Artillery. It is interesting to know that he
had and used his grandfather's (Colonel Nicholas Stillwell) sword.
His choice of a helpmate was characteristic of the man; a lady of most
honorable and respectable lineage, member of a family as old as his own.
Miss Sarah Stevense Voorhees. They were the parents of four children;
Ella J., widow of Peter V. Voorhees, George Stillwell*, owner of this house,
Anna M. Stillwell, and Ida, wife of Elias Hubbard Ryder. In 1880 Judge
Stillwell lost his vnie -ndth whom he had traveled on life's journey for so many
years.
Mr. George Stillwell, his son, now owns but does not occupy the old
home. I am indebted to him for many interesting facts in relation to this
and other works which I have under way. He is a man with a wonderful
memory, and a large store of facts which are very interesting. He has spent
many years collecting antiques, and his beautiful home is similar to a museum.
He was born in the homestead on March 8th, 1838, and has lived all his life
* Since these articles were written, Mr. George Stillwell has passed away. He was a
man of distinguishing characteristics. Honest, brilliant and a true Christian, a man we should
strive to emulate. He was an authority on antiques and local history. IVIr. Stillwell's word was
always relied upon, and he possessed the virtues and determination bequeathed to him by a long
line of noble ancestors, both English and Dutch. All honest men have lost in him a true friend,
and all corrupt schemers a powerful enemy. He died June 26th, 1909.
[103]
The Judge Nicholas Stillwell Homestead
in Gravesend. He received his education at his home town, which speaks
well for the local school. A man of sound judgment, he made his business
career on the farm and elsewhere eminently successful. He married on
November 19th, 1872, Jane E. Voorhees, a daughter of Lucas J. Voorhees
and Gertrude Suydam, his wife. The Voorhees homestead is described
elsewhere in this book. Mrs. Stillwell died on December 10th, 1908. They
were the parents of Sarah Gertrude Stillwell, who married Herman Hajenga.
Mrs. Hajenga passed away on December 3rd, 1908, in her 34th year, leaving
issue two sons.
But to return to the old home, Mr. Stillwell tells me it was built about
1808 by his grandfather, Nicholas R. Stillwell, who was the oldest of a family
of nine, having been born on August 8th, 1768. He died December 25th, 1809,
and married Nellie Koenhoven (Couwenhoven.?), of New Utrecht. Their
only son was Judge Stillwell. Nicholas R. Stillwell was the son of Richard
Stillwell and Mary Johnson, his wife.
Richard Stillwell was born September 22nd, 1734. He was a son of
Colonel Nicholas Stillwell, who was born December 2nd, 1709, and married
December 22nd, 1733, Altie Van Brunt; born April 22nd, 1712, died October
1st, 1776. Colonel Stillwell was with the militia in the Battle of Long Island,
but after the battle returned home to protect his property, and, being an
old man, did not rejoin the army. He died before the war was ended.
His father, Richard Stillwell, was born May 11th, 1677; married first,
Maria, whose last name I have been unable to find, and second, October
22nd, 1733, Altie Ditmars, who died February 11th, 1758. He is supposed
by Bergen to have owned a farm at Sellers Neck, which in 1880 was owned
by Cornelius Stryker, a descendant. In 1702 he was High Sheriff, in 1715
Colonel of militia, and in 1725-27 a Member of the Colonial Assembly.
He was a son of Nicholas Stillwell and Catharine Morgan, his wife.
Nicholas Stillwell came over with his father in 1638. He was born in 1636,
and married the mother of Richard, November 6th, 1671. They had a civil
marriage before Justice Hubbard.
Nicholas Stillwell, the emigrant, settled first on Manhattan Island and
died on Staten Island, December 22nd, 1671; married first, Abagail, daugh-
[104]
The Judge Nicholas Stillwell Homestead
ter of Robert Hopton; and second, Ann Van Dyke, of Holland. He owned
a house and lot on Beaver Street, New Amsterdam.
The Stillwells are an old and an honorable family both in this country
and England. They are said to be related to Charles the first. King of
England, who was beheaded.
This Nicholas Stillwell was one of the Englishmen who joined Lady
Moody in the settlement of Graoenzande or Gravesend, which they intended
to make a city, laying it out in the manner of the cities of England. This,
they thought, might become the capital of the English Towns on Long
Island. The plan to found the town had to be temporarily abandoned
because of an attack by the Indians. During this war he defended the town
as an officer of militia, holding the rank of Lieutenant, and was one of the
first to return after the war. According to the records he was somewhat of
a real estate operator, as he was a party to many conveyances. He appears
to have been a man of great wealth. There is still a silver cup in the family
(Mr. Stillwell informs me) which Nicholas brought from England. Bergen
says of him, " Nicholas Stillwell is entitled to credit for never swerving from
his allegiance to the Dutch government, which is more than can be said of
many of his English neighbors, who, on what they supposed to be the first
favorable opportunity, proved themselves to be traitors to the colony to which
they were indebted for protection and the enjoyment of religious liberty."
He was the founder of a race of men who have followed in his steps. They
have been true to principle and honor.
[105]
The New Utrecht Liberty Pole
On November 25th, 1783, the British forces evacuated New York and
the Continental Army took possession. It was a glorious event to the people
of Long Island. They were a Dutch people, and the rule of the English was
at best the rule of the conqueror. As soon as peace was declared, they set
about preparing to fittingly celebrate the departure of the British. This was
done by the erection of a Liberty Pole in each town.
We know nothing of this Liberty Pole celebration, except that it occurred.
Of the other celebrations which occurred in the other towns we have more or
less authentic reports. It is certain that, as in the other cases, the ladies
made the flag and the men cut and erected the pole. The event was then
celebrated by a public ball or an elegant dinner.
The pole stood until 1834, when the inhabitants took up a collection
and planted a new pole, dedicating it with proper exercises. The present
pole was erected in May, 1867, through the efi'orts of Colonel William J.
Cropsey and Mr. Rulif Van Brunt. This pole became dilapidated and was
reset May, 1899.
The usual method used to secure funds for the care of the pole was to
form a committee and collect the necessary money to do the work, and to
hold exercises in commemoration. For the last quarter of a century Mr. and
Mrs. Townsend C. Van Pelt have tended to the pole, keeping the flag,
seeing that it was hoisted upon the pole on all public days, and tending to
the necessary repairs. It is to their patriotism that we owe the preservation
of this landmark, which stands in front of the New Utrecht Reformed
Dutch Church, on Eighteenth Avenue. The eagle that caps the pole is the
original one, erected over one hundred and twenty-five years ago.
About a year ago an Association was incorporated to care for and per-
petuate the pole. They held their first meeting in the home of Mr. and Mrs.
Van Pelt, the Old Van Pelt Manor House. Ofiicers were elected, as follows:
John F. Berry, President. Towasend C. Van Pelt, Vice-President.
M. Stewart Hegeman, Secretary. J. R. Van Brunt, Treasurer;
On November 25th, 1908, commemorative exercises were held. This
was the One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Anniversary of the erection of the
first pole. It was one of the largest gatherings held in New Utrecht. The
people filled the church, and crowded the grounds around the pole. The
[107]
The New Utrecht Liberty Pole
exercises were carried through with great dignity, and the people were stirred
by the eloquence of the patriotic speakers. The audience was composed
largely of descendants of those who set the original pole.
It is interesting to know that this is the only Liberty pole now standing.
In some cases other poles have been erected on the spots where liberty poles
formerly stood, but a pole has stood here since the first Liberty Pole was
erected.
[108]
Kings County in the Revolution
George Clinton, the first Governor of New York State, is to me one of
the most interesting characters our history presents; brave in trial and
courageous on the field of battle, hopeful and valiant, but above all resourceful.
He represents the noblest type of patriot. I consider him the greatest
governor New York ever had, just as I consider Lincoln and Roosevelt the
greatest presidents our nation ever had, and Washington and Grant the great-
est generals America has produced.
One of Clinton's great services was in securing money for carrying on
the Revolution. This he did in a difterent manner from other financiers of
the period. Continental currency was of little value, yet it was practically
the only money in circulation within the American lines. To secure gold
was the great task facing the authorities, and had they all been as successful
as Governor Clinton the war would have ended at an earlier date.
The people of Long Island were within the British lines and were unable
to aid the Americans to any great extent. Much false criticism has been
made against the farmers of Kings County for failing to be of more assist-
ance to the Continental troops in the beginning of the encounter. This is
largely false. The facts are that the total population of King's County at
the beginning of the Revolution was less than three thousand, about half
of whom were slaves. This left some fifteen hundred men, women and chil-
dren to be patriots and provide an army.
The militia was composed of about two hundred and forty men and
officers, exclusive of Tories. Many men from Kings County were with
the Continental Army until the last. The Provincial Congress made a call
for drafts to reinforce the Continental Army. The captains of various
companies petitioned Congress that they might not be called upon to send
one man out of every four, as it was harvest time and they must attend to
their crops, but when it came to the landing of the British they would turn
out their full companies to assist in defending the country. This Congress
refused to do, and the draft was called. Colonel Van Brunt delivered the
fifty-eight men required. A little later more men were needed, and Colonel
Cowenhoven, then acting in command, sent a special company of twenty men.
In addition to this, the company of light horse was stationed as a look-
out to watch the coming of the fleet, and it did such duty all summer. Dur-
[109]
Kings County in the Revolution
ing the Battle of Long Island the militia did eflfective work. The light horse
drove off the cattle into Queens County and burned the grain. Eighteen of
this company left their horses on Long Island and crossed to Westchester,
under command of Lieutenant Daniel Rapalje, and joined the Continental
Army. They were clad in summer clothes, and many of them became sick
from exposure. In that condition, as well as being penniless, they were
deserted by the Continental Army, which had to retreat into New Jersey,
in Duchess County, New York, for the army could not carry their wounded
with them, and being neighbors' sons and friends, those who were well
stayed with the sick, and finally secured money and permission to return home.
In the Battle of Flatbush the militia was badly cut up, and in the Battle
of Long Island they were separated from the main body, but they knew the
ground, and in a majority of cases were enabled to reach their homes in
safety. A large number of the women and children had been sent to Queens
County or to New Jersey, but after the seat of hostilities was removed to
other parts they were brought back, and the attention of the British turned
to making friends with the colonists. The next year the farms were tUled
as usual.
The British Army furnished a good market for their produce and prices
were high, although not as high as during our own Civil War. The farmers,
Tory and Whig alike, were becoming rich. Had the British known to what
treasonable use their gold was being put by the Dutch farmers of Kings
County, many a bough would have bent with the weight of a sturdy Dutch-
man suspended by his neck.
The willingness of the Dutch of Kings County to become the financiers
of the State was brought to the attention of Governor Clinton. Lieutenant
Samuel Dodge was captured in 1777, at Fort Montgomery. He was quar-
tered at the residence of Barent Johnson, a well-known Whig and father of
General Jeremiah Johnson, who was a founder of the St. Nicholas Society
and its first President. On being exchanged, in December, 1777, he secured
a loan of £700 from Mr. Johnson for the State.
Governor Clinton paid several amounts in 1782 and 1783 to Hendrick
Wyckoff, Aspinwall Cornwall, Thomas Wicks, Robert Morris, Nicholas
Cowenhoven, Colonel William Allison, i^nd Colonel James Mc'Claughry,
[110]
1
Kings County in the Revolution
for procuring money on Long Island. These pa^Tiients, I believe, were in
the nature of expenses incurred by them.
The principal agent in these matters was the brave and intrepid INIajor
Hendrick Wyckoff, of New Lots. He was a relative and friend of many of
the people of Kings County, and he would come under disguise through the
lines at night and go to the house of some friend, and from there at night
would go out among the people, and they would loan him all the gold they
could gather on a simple blank receipt signed by Governor Clinton and
filled out by the Major. Strong's History of Flatbush gives a lucid account
of how he operated. He also states that not far from $200,000 specie was
loaned in this manner. I believe he underestimates. I append a list which,
although it is far from complete, gives an idea of the size of these loans. I
believe it has been published only in a state publication. When Dr. Strong's
History was written this list could not be found. It should be remembered
that only those who collected their notes with interest when due are named in
this list, and of those numerous ones who in the troubled times of the war lost
or destroyed their notes there is no record. It will be seen, also, to contain
the names of some Tories, who were evidently trying to ride to victory on
both horses.
I do not think we can blame a people for signing an address of loyalty
under the same conditions as these people, who were compelled to do so or
hang, as in some instances they were, or have their property confiscated and
they themselves thrown into prison, and their wives and children thrown out
upon the world as paupers. There was the case of my own great-great-
grandfather, Nicholas Van Brunt, who refused to sign the oath of allegiance
when he was captured, at the time of the Battle of Long Island, and who
spent some time in the old provost for his pains. I think the most patriotic
people would have done as most of the inliabitants did.
It is all very well for historians to blame them, but they should take into
consideration the fact that the addresses they signed were written by Royal-
ists such as Colonel Axtell, and have come down to us as published in Gaine's
Royal Gazette.
[Ill]
Kings County in the Revolution
This is the list of the financiers of the State so far as it has been discovered ;
Allison, William (Col.)
Antonides, Peter
Arenlanias, Philip
Barcalo, Harmanus
Bonnet, James
Bennet, John
Bennet, Wynant
Bergen, Johannes
Bergen, Michael
Boerura, Jacob
Brush, John
Burtis, Abraham
Burtis, John
Butler, John
Carll, John
Carll, Phineas
Carll, Piatt
Carll, Timothy
Clopper (Miss)
Cock, Daniel
Cock, William
Coles, Nathaniel
Colyer, Peter
Cornwall, Aspinwall
Cornwall, Obadiah
Cortelyou, Isaac
Cortelyou, Jaques
Cortelyou, Simon
Cowenhoven, Nicholas
Cowenhoven, Rem
Ditmars, Abraham
Duryee, Abraham
Duryee, Jacob
Duryee, Johannes
Duryee, Joost
Duryee, Peter
Dusenbury, Denton
Eldert, Catharine
Elilert, Hendrick
Ellison, Gabriel
Elsworth, Thomas
Everit, Benjamin
Gansevoort, Peter (Col.)
Harper, Alexander
Hegeman, Elbert
Hegeman, Rem
liegeman, Sytie
Hendrickson, Isaac
Hendrickson, John (Maj.)
Hix, Charles
Horten, Nathan
Johnson, Anne
Johnson, Barent
Kerchow, Jacob
Kitcham, Zebulon
Kissam, Daniel W.
Lattin, William
LefFerts, Barent
Lefferts, Jacob
Lefferts, James
Lefferts, Peter
Lequier, Abraham
Livingston, Henry
Lott, Hendrick
Lott, Jannetje
Lott, Johannes E.
Lott, Stcjjhcn
Luyster, John
Martense, Adrian
Martense, George
Martense, Gerrit
Mc'Claughry, James (Col.)
McGraw, Alexander
Mesherol, John
Money, Samuel
Monfort, Peter
Morris, Robert
Nostrand, Cornelius
Nostrand, John
Oakley, Samuel
Onderdonk, Andrew
Payne, Lewis
Polhemus, Jacob
Powers, George
Rapalje, Tunis
Remsen, John
Remsen, Rem A.
Rogers, John
Sands, John (Col.)
Schenck, Jolin
Schenck, Martin
Schenck, Peter
Schultz, Christopher
Searing, Coe
Searing, Gilbert
Skilman, Thomas
Skilman, William
Smith, John
[112]
Smith, Philetus
Smith, Timothy
Snyder, William
Sperry, Jacob
Stillwell, Richard
Suydam, Hendrick
Suydam, Jacob
Suydam, Lambert
Thompson, Isaac
Thorne, John
Thorne, Richard (]\Iaj.)
Tillotson, Thomas
Titus, Charles
Titus, Francis
Titus, John
Townsend, James
Townsend, Pryor
Townsend, Sj-lvanus
Valentine, Philip
Van Brunt, Adrian
Van Brunt, Albert
Van Brunt, Nah.
Van Brunt, R.
Van Buren, James N. (Dr.)
Van Buren, John II. (Dr.)
Van Cortland, Pl;ilip
Vanderliilt, Jeremiah
Vanderbilt, John
Vanderl;)ilt, John I.
Vandervcer, Cornelius
Vanderveer, Hendrick
Vandervcer, John
Van Duyne, Cornelius
Van Pelt, Wynant
Van Schaick, Goose (Col.)
Van Sideren, Uljilianus
Van Sideren, Femmetje
Van Varch, John
Van Voorheis, Adrian
Van Vorst, Cornelius
Voorheis, Abraham
Wickes, John
Wickes, Thomas
Williamson, Rem
Wright. John J.
Wyckoff, Cornelius
Wyckoff, Hendrick
I
Bibliography
The Bergen Family, by Teunis G. Bergen.
Genealogy of the Van Brunt Family, by Teunis G. Bergen.
Register of the Early Settler's of Kings County, by Teunis G. Bergen.
A Genealogy of the Van Voorhees Family in America, by Elias W. Van
Voorhis.
A History of the City of Brooklyn, by Henry R. Stiles.
History of Kings County, by Henry R. Stiles.
A History of Long Island, by Peter Ross, LL.D.
A History of the Town of Flatbush, by Thomas M. Strong, D.D.
Chronicles of Erasmus Hall, by Willis Boughton, D.D., and Eugene W.
Harter, M.A.
The Social History of Flatbush, by Gertrude Lefferts Vanderbilt.
Documents Relative to the Colonial History of The State of New York, by
John Romeyn Broadhead, and Edited by E. B. O'Callaghan.
The Documentary History of the State of New York, by E. B. O'Callaghan,
M.D.
Revolutionary Incidents of Suffolk and Kings Counties, by Henry Onder-
donk, Jr.
History of Long Island, by B. F. Thompson.
History of Long Island, by N. S. Prime.
Memoirs of the Long Island Historical Society, Edited by Hon. Henry C.
Murphy and others.
Early Long Island, by M. B. Flint.
Flatbush, Past and Present, by E. D. Fisher.
New York in the Revolution as a Colony and State, and supplements thereto.
Edited by various Historians under direction of the State Comptroller.
Antiquities of Long Island, by Gabriel Furman.
The Prince Family, by Mary Martense Prince.
All of the above books are standards and form a Library of Kings
County History.
The Public Records are very complete and are the basis of this book.
[113]
Alphabetical Index
Adriance, Martin 67-78
Family (37
Allison, Col. William 110-112
Alstine, JMary gg
Amerman, Maria 04
Audros, Governor gg
Autonides, iJerlinda 77
Teter 112
Aremacus, (ali;is) Specke Jonse SI
Arenlanias, Philip 112
Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific Company 21
Axtell, Colonel Ill
Bache, Theophylaet 01
Baisley, Miss 44
Baldwin, Abijah 84
" Francis S4
Barcalo, Hannanus 112
Barents, Ida 85
Barkeloo, Tunis S 17
Barnes, Isaac C 48
Bennet, James 112
John 112
Beimett, Annie 41
House 68
John C 41
Wilhelmina 82
Wincnt 92-112
Benson, Egbert 82
Bently family 56
Bergen, Adrian 48
Anatie S2
Ann 17-84
Catharine 17
Charles M 48
Cornelius 17-84
Garret 84
Gashe 17-40
" Jane 17
Johanna 84
" Johannes 112
John 33-84
John C 34-77
John T 17
Leah 17
" Maria 84
Mary C 84
Michael 112
MjTa 77
Peter 17
Simon 17-40
" Simon J 86
Tennis J 40
Theodore V 48
Tunis 32-33-34-48
Tunis G 31-32-68-81-85-91-95-105
Tunis J 17
Berry, Deborah 77
Family of 69
" John F 69-107
Bloom, or Blom, Brant 55
" " " Claes Barentse 55-56
" " " Jannetje 56
" " Nicholas 55
Boer, Martin de 67-78
Boerum, Carl 88
Jacob 112
Bogcrt, Maria 86
Borkaloo, Jaques 80
Brinkerhoff, Annetje 68
Eliza Ann 48
Page
Brower, Mary T 34
Brown, Ellen 68
Brownjohn, Catharine 39
Elizabeth 39
Mary 39-68
Dr. Thomas 39
Dr. William 39
Brush, John 112
Bunce, Elizabeth 87
Burtis, Abraham 112
John 112
Butler, John 112
Campbell, Elizabeth 39-70
Carll, John 112
" Phineas 112
" Piatt 112
" Timothy 112
Caton, Mrs 20
" Patrick 20
Claes, Tryntje 81
Clapp, Fannie 41
" Frank 41
•' Henry B 41
" Lewis S 41
" Samuel L 41
Clinton, Gov. Geo 15-109-110
Clopper, Miss 112
Cock, Daniel 112
" William 112
Coerte, Garret 38-52
Steven 23-100
Coles, Nathaniel 112
Colve, Governor 49
Colyer, Peter 112
Conradi, Charles 87
Cool, Cornelis Lanil)ertsen 31
Cornelise, Altie 31
Cornell, Ann 87
Anna 87
" Agnes 87
" Catherine 87
" Cornelia 24
Daniel 87
" George 87
George L 87
" Hannah 87
" Isaac 87
Isaac R 87
John 87
John S 87
Margaret 87
Mary 87
Peter 87
Peter C 87
Ruth 87
" Sarah 87
" Simon 87
" Simon C 87
" Samuel G 87
Whitehead 87
Cornwall, .\spinwall 110-112
Obadiah 112
Coniwallis, Lord 23
Cortelyou, Agnes 88
ASnes De Hart 86
Alleta 87
Angletie 87
Anna Maria 86-93
" Cornelius 85
Daniel 87
[114]
Alphabetical Index
Page
Cortelyou, Diewertje 85
Eliza 88
" Freelove Jane 86
" Hannah 87
" Helena 85
Hendrick 87
Ida 86
Isaac 86-87-112
Jaques 85-86-87-88-112
Johanna 86
Johannes or Jolin 86-87-88
Maria 85-87
Martha 87
Mary 88
MaryE 86
Peter 85-86-88
Peter J 86
Pieter 85
Ruth 86
Sarah 87
Sarah T 86
Simon 17-86-87-88-112
Timothy T 86-93
William 85-86
Coster, Aleid 19
Cowenhoven, Couwenhoven or Van Couwenhoven
Colonel 109-110
" Dorothy 55
Ellen 48
Garret 48
Garret Wolfertse 81
George 82
Jane 82
John N 82
Judge 82
Maria. 48-82
" Marretje Gerritse 100
Mrs 48
Nettie 48
Nicholas 82-112
Rem 112
" Sarah 55
" Wolphert Garritsen 26-52
Crabb, Elizabeth 77-78
Henry L 77
Creed, Dr. William 60
Crooke, Elizabeth 21
Family 21-78
Frank 20
General Philip S 20
" Margaret 20
Mrs 20
Philip S 20
Robert L 20-21
Cropsey, Col. William J 107
Cruikshank, Augusta 77
Cruser, Mr. & Mrs. Van Dyke 16
Danker, Jaspar 85
De Baun, Mrs 25
" " Peter 25
De Hart, Simon 86
Delaplaine, John F 40
Denyse, Denyse 88
" Jaques 85
de Rayde, Aelide 19
Deventer, Jacobus 20
De Witt, Diewertje 85
" " Katrena S7
Ditraars, Abraham 25-26-112
Altie lOi
Page
Ditmars, Anna Lavina 25
Cornelia 25-26
Cornelius 25-28
Elizabeth 25
Family 26-28
" Pemmetje 23-24
Jacob 26
" James 26
Jan 23-24
Johannes 20-23-24-26-27-28-43-60-61
John 24-25-20-29-48-93
John Townsend 25
" J. Remsen 26
Margaret 24-26-43-44-48
Maria Elizabeth 25-93
" Maria Marguerite 25
" Mary Gertrude 26
Mrs 25-28
Mrs. Cornelius 28
Townsend Van Pelt 25
Ditmarsen, Johannes 23-61
Ditmas, Abraham 60-61-63-64
" Abraham 1 63
" Andrew 25-41
" Charles Burr 41
Corneha 60
Gertrude C 60
" Henry Lett 41
" Henry Suydam 59-63
" Jane Ann 60
" Jane Gertrude 60
John 63-64
John A 60
John H 59-60
John Jr 63
" Johannes 61
Maria 60
" Mary K 59
Mrs 25-28-60
" Rebecca 60
Dodge, Lieutenant Samuel 110
Dongern, Governor 91
Donald, Margarita 26
Dorland, Antie 91
Marretje 38
Dorlant, Fammetje 44
Douglas, Sarah 87
Douws, Aeltje 61
Drummond, Chauncey 41
Duryee or Duryea, Abraham 112
" " " George 85
Jacob 112
" " " Johannes 112
Joost 112
" " " Peter 112
Dusenbury, Denton 112
Duyckmck, Elizabeth M 87
Elbertse, see Stoothoff
Eldert, Catharine 112
" Hendrick 112
Maria 16-52
Ellison, Gabriel 112
Elsworth, Thomas 112
Emmans, Adries 44
" Adries, Jr 44
Albert 44-45
" Andrew 44-45
" David 44
'^ Ditmars 44
Elizabeth 49
[115]
Alphabetical Index
Page
Emmans, Family 43
Johannes 24—13-44
John 44
Maria 44
" Margaret 44
" Nicholas 44
Phebe 44
Rebecca 63
Sarah 44
Evens, Helena A 74
Everit, Benjamin 112
Ferris, Rev. J. M 78
Flatbush East 21
Flatbush Improvement Co 21
Flatbush, Strong's History of Ill
Flemming, Joseph 44
Folkertsen, Antije 37
Folkert 37
Forrest, Capt 91
Fyn, Jan Janse 15
Gaine, Hugh 28-88-111
Gansevoort, Col. Peter 112
Garritsen, or GareUen, or Garretson, or
Gerretsen, Elizabeth 96
Family of 95
" Ferdinandus 95
" Grerret Remmersen 95
Hugh 95
" Jannitie 95-96
J. Fletcher 95
" Judge Samuel 95
" Johannes 95
John S 88-96
" Mary Remmersen 95
" Samuel 95-96
Samuel J 96-97
Simon C 96
Thomas 95
George HI 28
Grant, Greneral 109
Greenman, Mr 56
Groenendyck, Samuel 44
Hagewout, Jan 56
Lefferts Pietersen Van 56-73
" Pieter Janse 56-73
Hajenga, Herman 104
Mrs 104
Harper, .\le>; 112
Hazen, Maria Bell 97
Hedden, Andries 26-52
Hegeman, Abbey 52
" Adriaen 52
Cathirine 52-63
Elbert 112
Evert 73
" Femmetie 19-73
Helen 52
John G 52
John R 52-53
John R. Jr 53
M. Stewert 107
Peter 52
Rem 51-52-112
Sarah 52
Svtie 112
William R 53
Henderson, Geo. M 47
Hendricksen, Hcndrick 85
Hendricksen's Store 51
Hendrickson, Isaac 112
Page
Hendrickson, Major John 112
Hermans, Femnietje 73
Hermens, Stotf el 81
Herriman, Helen 97
Helen B 96-97
Stephen H 96-97
Wilham B 97
Hewlet, Mary 86
Hicks, Juliet 87
Hirst, Arthur J 87
Hix, Charles 112
Hogeland, Herman 51-52
Hoogland, Albjday 52
Cornells Dircksen 100
Hopton, Abagail 105
Robert 105
Horton, Nathan 112
Howe, Greneral 88
" Lord 99
Hubbard, Justice 104
Hurd, Dr. Nelson L 87
.Jack-son, General 103
Jacobs, Ida 63
" Sej'tie 64
Jans, Gertrude 91
'• Grietje 91
Janse, Agatha 100
" Anneke 31
'■ Pieter 73
Jansen, Jan 23-61
" Tennis 91
Johnson, Anne 112
Barent 110-112
General J 88-92-110
Mary 104
Miss 52
Teunis 87
Jooris, Abram 38
Joost, Magdalena 49
Kerchow, Jacob 112
Kieft, Governor 31-32
Kilgore, Isabella 25
Kitcham, Zebulon 112
Kissam, Daniel W 112
Koenhoven, Nellie 104
Kouwenhoven, Anna 86
Cornelius 59
Maria 59
Mary V. L 41
WilliV.i 43-86
Kuypers, Rev. Gerard 39
Laidew, John 56
Lake, John 31
Lattin, William 112
Lefferts, Barent 112
" Catharine 56-87
" Cornelia 55-57
Eliza 1 74
" Family of 56-73
Gertrude L 74
Ida 56-91
" Jacobus 56
Jacob 91-112
James 74-112
Col. James 56
Jan.. 73
'■ Jannetie 73
John 57-74
John L 55
John R. C S6
[116]
Alphabetical Index
Page
Lefferts, Ix'fTert 55-56
Maria Lott - 74
Marshall 56
Nicholas U. C 50
Peter 87-112
Pieter 73-74
Rem 57
Robert B 55-56
Sarah C 56-57
Senator John 74
Lennington, Elizabeth 26
Lequer, Abraham 112
Le\vis, Mary F. R 87
Lincoln, President 1C9
Livingston, Henry 112
Longmire, William 60
Londdon, Ambrose 31
Lossing, Benj 88
Lett, Abraham 63
" Addie 41
" Anne 39
" Antie 37-38
" Cathaline 39
" Catherine 16^0
" Catherine Ann 41
" Christoper 39
" Doroty 37
" Dortie 38
" Edward D 41
■' Eliza 16-40-41-68
" En^elbert 63
" Erskin Howard 60
" Folkert 88
" Gacie B 41
" Greorge 41
" Gertruy 37
" Hendrick 37-112
" Hendrick 1 39-40-68
" Hendrick I, 1st 38
" Henry De Witt 41
" Henrv Ditmas 60
" Jane B 40
Jane M 41
" Jannetje 39-82-112
" Jacobus 63
" Col. Jeromus 16-39-48-82
" Col. Johannes 38
" Johannes 24-37-38
" Johannes Jr 38-39
" Johannes E 92-96-112
" Johannes H 17-40
" Johannes 1 39
" John 96
" John B 41
" John R 41
" John Z 60
" Joris 38-82
" Judge John A 25-60
" Jurrian 39
" Jurien 41
" Katrina 38
" Lammetie 24
" Maria 37-38
" Maritie 92
" Mary 41
Mary V 41
" Mrs 39-41-60
" Nelly 48
" Nichlaes 38
" Nieltien 38
Page
Lott, Peter 37-63
" Petrus 38
" Phebe 41
" Pieter 37
" Samuel G 96
Sara 41
" Simon B 41
" Stephen 88-112
" Theodore 96
Lubbertson, Gerret 61
Lucassen, Jan 52
Ludlow, Gabriel Wm 39
Lupardus, Rev. Gulielmus 19-32
" Johanna 32
Luyster, John 112
Lyman, Captain 15
Lyons, Evelyon 53
Magaw, Frederick 47
Robert 47
Colonel Robert 96
Van Brunt 96
Mandeville, Tryntjie Gillis de 15
Marrener, Capt. William 20-88-91-92
Martense, Adrian 67-68-78-112
Adrian 1 77-78
Adrian V 67-68
Annetje 67-78
Eliza Ann 67
Elizabeth 77
Eliza V 68
Judge Garret L 16-60-87
George 67-68-112
Gerret 60-69-78-112
Gertrude 67-68-69
Helen 68
Hester 69
" Isaac 78
Jacob V. B 67-68-70
Jane 77
" Jennie V 60
Joris 19-20
Lefferts 87
" Maria 77
Mary 68
Neeltje 68-78
Aunt Rachel 77-78
Rem 78
Sarah 73
Story Homestead 67-77
Susan 20-82
Maryland, Men of 69
Matthews, Mayor 81
McClaughry, Col. James 110-112
McGraw, Alexander 112
Meserole, Maria 78
Mesherol, John 112
Millard, A. Orville 57
Miller, Captain 15
" Josephine G 93
Millward, James 17
Moncriffe, Major 20-91
Money, Samuel 112
Monfoor, Jennetje 68
Monfoort, Willemtie Pieters 32
Monfort, Peter 112
Moody, Lady 105
Morgan, Catharine 104
Morris, Jacob 17
" Robert 110-112
Mosier, Jos 28
[117]
Alphabetical Index
Page
Murphy, Hon. H. C 85
Nagel, Philip 96
Napier, Andrew 44
" Anna 44
Catherine B 44
Charles 44
Family of 24
John 44
John B 44
" Margaret 44
Miss 28
" Thomas 44
Nevius, Johanna 32
Nillison, Eitie 32
William 32
Nostrand, Cornelius 112
John 112
Oakley, Samuel 112
O'BIeuis, Albert. 87
Ohachama (Indian) 31
Onderdonk, Andrew 24-28-88-112
Oranke (Indian) 31
Otter, John 91
Payne, Lewis 112
Pieterse, Leffert 56
" Magdalena 49
Piper, Capt. Alexander R 21
Polhemus, Abraham Ditmas 60-96-97
" Catharine 63
Daniel 63
Jacob 112
" Rev. Johannes Theodorus 63
Mary C 96
Neltje 63
Theodorus 60
Powers, George 112
Prince, Christopher 60
" Gertrude 67
John Duffield 07-69
John D., Jr 67-68-70
Mary M. 67-68
Probasco, Jannetje 39
Provost, Bishop 24
Quahsse (Indian) 31
Rapalje, Altie 87
Catherine 87
Daniel 110
George 24
" Joris Jansen de 24
" Lammetie lC-39
Margrietie 24-43
Mana 87
Tunis...'. 112
Remsen, Derick 38
" Gitty or Gertrude 26
James D 26
" Jannetje 61
John 112
Rem A 112
Sarah 67-78
Stephen V 26
Robarts, Daniel 82
Rogers, Charlotte 0 52
John 112
Romeyne, Stoffel 44
Roosevelt, President 109
Ross, Dr. Peter 88
Ryder, Addie L. 41
" Adriaentje 68
Elias li 1(13
Ida
Jacobus
Jeremiah . . .
John L. . . .
Phebe
Sarah Ann.
Page
Ryder, Ida 103
95
60
93
99
60
Ryerse, Adriaen 67-78
Ryerson, Geertie 63
Maria 87
Sands, Col. John 112
Schenck, Ann 59
" Jan Martinse 19
John 19-20-91-112
Martin 112
" Martin Jan 19
Martin Roelofse 67-78
Peter 112
" Stephen 77
" Teunis 59
" Dr. Tunis 25
Willard P 25
Schoonmaker, Gacie L 41
Schultz, Christopher 112
Schuyler, Arent 52
Searing, Coe 112
Gilbert 112
Sebering, John 63
Sheldon, Isabell 87
Sherbrook, Miles 97
Shields, George 93
Skilman, Thomas 112
William 112
Sluj-ter, Peter 85
Smack, Hendrick Mathysen 91
Smith, Florence C 21
John 112
Philetus 112
Timothy 112
Smock Family 91
Snedicor, John 1 44
Snediker, Jacob SB
Snyder, WiUiam 112
Societv, Holland 24
Spear," Calvin F .' 17
Sperry, Jacob 112
Spicer, Thomas 31
Spieser, Mactel 31
Sprong, Mr. & Mrs. Folkert S3
Staats, Henry 39
" Rebecca 61
Starr, Lorenzo 25
Stevens, John 32-33
Saartie 32-33
Stevense, Coert 100
Stevenson, Koert 100
Stiles, John 32
Stillenwerf, Fenimelje 92
Jacob 62
Stillwell, Anna M .- 103
Ann 86
" Familv 105
George 99-103-104
Maria 104
Nicholas 104-105
Nicholas R 104
Col. Nicholas 103-104
Judge Nicholas 93-103-104
Richard 104-112
Rutgert 1 86
" Sarah Gertrude 104
[118]
Alphabetical Index
Page
Stirling, Lord 69-88
Stoothoff, Aegje 32
Annatie 32-33
Elbert 32
Elbert Elbertse 31-32-33-47-52
Elbert Elljertse Jr 31
Family of 34
Gerret 32
Gerret Elbertse 31-32-33
Heyltie 32
■' Johannes 33
'■ Margrietie 33
Peter 83
Saartie 33
Wilhelmus 82-33
William 20-33
Story, Captain 77
" Joseph S 77
•• Maria M 77-78
Martense B 77
" William H 77
'• William W 77
Stratton, Martha 57
Strong, Dr. Thomas 15-20-111
Stryker, Cornelius 104
Lammetie 32
Rebecca 33-34
'■ Samuel 33
Stuyvesant, Governor 15
Sullivan, General 69
Suydam, Capt. Andrew 63
Bennetie 63
" Cornelius 48
Ellen 48
Eyte 73
George 99
Gertrude 99
Hendrick 60-63-64-112
" Heyndrycke 60
Jacob 64-68-112
Jane 60-64
Jane M. L 41
John 48
Capt. Lambert 92-112
Lambert 92
Phebe L 41
Sarah 60-63
Seytie 64-73
Swailer. John 63
Tate, William 52
Terhune Family 47
Terhunnen, Albert 38
Roeloff 38
Teunis, Deonys 85
Thompson, Isaac 112
Thome, John 112
Major Richard 112
Tillotson, Isaac 112
TiltoD, John 100
Titus, Charles 112
Francis 112
" John 112
Mrs. Lewis 16
Tomlinson, Russel 88
Townsend, James 112
Pryor 112
" Sarah 86
Sylvanus 112
Tumbull, (Colonel) 55-56
Underbill, Capt. John 31-32
Page
Valentine, Philip 112
Van Alst, Gertrude 16
Van Berlaer, Ann 19
Van Bossum, Cornelius 31
Sarah 31
Van Brunt, Capt. Adrian 16-86-92-112
" Albert 112
" Albert 11 25
" Altie 81-104
" Colonel 109
" Daniel 34
" Elizaljeth 16-82
" Family 81-85-91
" Helen 68
" Jacob 68-96
" Jane 96
" Capt. Jaques 34
" Jeremiah 107
" John Holmes 25-48
" Joost 81
" Margaret Ditmars 25
" Maria 38-82
" Marritje 96
" Mr 43-86
" Nicholas 43-111-112
Nicholas Rutgersz 85
" Rulif 107
" Rutgert 38-81-82-112
" Col. Rutgert 82-92-96
" Tryntje Claes 81
Van Buren, Adelkeit . 19
Dr. James N 112
" Dr. John H 112
Van Cleef, John H 41
" " Martha Jane 41
" " Rebecca 44
Vance, Jessie 26
Van Corlear, Jacob 23
Van Cortland, Philip 112
Vanderbilt, Catherine 91-92-96
Esther 96
Jeremiah 16-43-112
John 112
Judge John 74
John 1 112
" Lemmetje 73
Vanderveer, Adrian 16
Dr. Adrian 16-40-68
Alletta P 16
Ann 16
Anne 17
Capt. Cornelius 15-16-25-52-112
" Cornelius 16-25-52
" Cornelius Janse 15
" Cornelius, Jr 15
Eliza 08-70
Elizabeth 16-25
Elizabeth Van Brunt 16
George 16
" Gerret 16
Hendrick 112
Jacob P 16
Jane 16-17-60
John 16-41-112
John C 16-52
Dr. John R 16
John W 41
" Maria 16
Peter 16
Rutgert 16
[119]
Alphabetical Index
Page
Vandevoort, jNIichiel 95
" Paulus 56
Van Ditmarsen, Adrianiia 61
'■ " Jiiii Jauseu 23-61
Van Duyne, Cornelius 112
Van Dyckhuysen, John Teunisse 32
Van Dyke, Ann 105
" " Jannetje 82
' " Nicholas 51
Van Galen, Maria 19
Van Houten, Margaret 25
Van Keldenbrack, Aleid V. G 19
Van Kirk, John 38
'• " Leah 15
'• " Rebecca 38
Van Leuwen, John 38
Van Masterlantlt. Roeloff 31
Van Nostrand, Jannetje 15
Van Nuyse, Abagail 56-73
" Aucke Jansen 49-73
" Cornelia D 24-48
" '■ Eleanor 48
Ehza 48
George 24-47-48
" " Jacobus Aukersz 49
" '' Jeroiuus 47-48
" " Johannes 47-48-49
Joost 49
" " Lemma 48
" " Magdalen 48
" " Margaret 39
Maria 48
Mrs 25
William 47-49
Van Nydeck, Derick Schenck 19
" " Diederick Schenck 19
Hendricke Schenck 19
'' " Martin Schenck 19
" " General Peter Schenck 19
Van Peelt, Tonis Jansen Lanen 91
Van Pelt, Aert 92
" " Aert Tunise 91
" '• Anna C 86-93
" '• Delia 93
'■ " Geertje 92
'■ Gertrude 93
•• '• Jacob 92-93
'• " Jacob L 93
" " Jacomintie 85
" " John L 86-92-93
'• •• John V 93
•• •• Manor House 20-25-93
" •■ Maritje Lott 92
•• " Mary L 93
'• •• Mrs 28-89
•• •• Old Man 92
• •• Peter 91-92
•• •• Rem 91-92
•• '• Townsend C ...25-93-107
' •■ Mr. & Mrs. Townsend C 93-107
•■ •■ Wynant 112
Van Ruinen. Coert Stevense 100
Van Schaick. Col Goose 112
Van Schenpenzeel Johanna 19
Van Sicklen. Abraham 24
Margaret 24
Van Sinderen, Domine 24
" " Fcnmictje 112
Ulplianes 39-112
Page
Van Tuil, Neeltie Jansc 91
Van Twiller, \V outer 23
Van Varch, John 118
Van Voorheis, Adrian 112
Van Vorst, Cornelius 112
Van Wesselen, Cornelia 19
Van Wicklen, Geertie 64
Van Wyck, Jeilries 51
" Sarah 86
Vernon, John 40
Voorhees, Abraham 112
Adrian 86
Adrianna 96-99
Aeltie 81
Coert Stevense 37-38-81
Ella J 103
Family 23-100
Femmetje 23-24-28-86
" George 26
Gertrude 99-104
Jane 99
Jane E 99-104
" Jannetie 96
'■ Jannetjie Stevense 19
Jan Stevense 23
" Johannes 52
John Coerte 100
John S 99
" Louwrens 96
Lucas J. or 1 99-104
Mrs. S. J 99
Peter V 103
Roelof 23-24-43
" Sarah Stevense 103
Steven J 99-100
Voorheis, Abraham 112
Vosch, Balthazer 91
Washington, General 23-27-69-83-99-109
Whitcomb, Bertha 41
" Byron 41
" George B 41
" John Carter 41
" Jurien L 41
LucyG 41
Whitney, Harry Payne 97
Wm. C 97
Wickes, John 112
Thomas 110-112
Wilbur, Anna 60
Mrs. Lionel 78
" Lionel 60
" Martense 60
Willets, Thomas, Sen 32^7
Williamson, Mary 59
'■ Nicholas 44
Rem 95-112
Steven 44
Williamse, Maria 49
Wilson, General James Grant 88
Wood, Harmon & Co 45-47
Wright, John, Jr 112
Wyckoff, Cornelius 112
Helen 52
Major Hendrick 110-111-112
Lena 61
Mary 43
Phebe 68
Wyckoff's 87
Ziegler, William 67
[120
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